Harrogate’s main fireworks night event on the Stray will take place this year without a bonfire.
Last year Harrogate and District Round Table celebrated the 50th anniversary of organising the free-to-attend charity fundraising event
It will return this year on Saturday, November 5 and although there will be fireworks there won’t be a bonfire.
Andy Rickard, who is responsible for planning this year’s event, said:
““I know some people will miss the bonfire, and we certainly haven’t ruled out having a bonfire in future years, but we thought it was time to try something different.
“I’m incredibly excited about this year’s event and can’t wait to see everyone there.”
Mr Rickard said feedback from last year indicated most people attended for the fireworks and were ambivalent about the bonfire.
The cost and logistics required to source and move suitable wood were also factors for what aspires to be an environmentally sustainable event.
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However, the event will start earlier, include fairground rides and see local groups perform on the stage, which will be moved to a more prominent position.
Besides the usual firework finale, visitors can expect to see fire performers as well as local entertainers on the stage.
The fireworks will be back. Pic by Tyler Parker
The district Scouts and commercial vendors will sell food.
Craig Stephenson, chair of the Round Table, said:
““It’s great to see new ideas and innovation in this community event and I know that there’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes to put together a fantastic programme, which we look forward to announcing in the forthcoming weeks.”
The event will open at 4pm on the Saturday afternoon and culminate with the firework display at about 7.30pm.
It will be free to attend with net proceeds from donations going to a local charity.
The Round Table charity raises funds for local good causes through events such as Harrogate Beer Festival.
It also provides community service events, such as The Old Peoples Lunch and The Stray Charity Fireworks.
Generating over half a million pounds in the last 15 years, it has awarded grants to individuals and organisations supporting the young, old, sick or vulnerable and anyone in need.
