Should the Roundhay Park Bonfire Night fireworks display return to Leeds? YEP readers share their thoughts
We asked YEP readers if the Roundhay Park firework display should return to Leeds? Here is what they said 📣
Every year, tens of thousands of people used to head to Roundhay Park on November 5 to see an annual public fireworks display.
Family-friendly and free, the event was an iconic way to mark Bonfire Night in Leeds.
However, the firework display has not been held in Roundhay Park since 2019, first because of the COVID-19 pandemic and then due to Leeds City Council budget cuts.
Seven years on, Leeds locals are divided on whether the event should return to the city.
“It was the best night of the year”: Nostalgic memories of Roundhay Park’s fireworks
When we asked Yorkshire Evening Post readers on Facebook what they thought, a vast majority argued that the Roundhay Park firework display should return on Bonfire Night.
Rachael Marie shared their memories of the event over the years and argued that nothing has taken its place since.
She said: “It was the best night of the year. The whole community got together and made memories that lasted a lifetime now there’s nothing.
“It was a big family event every single year that everyone looked forward to. I’m gutted every year now thinking about how it used to be.”
Julie Hollingworth agreed and particularly supported the free nature of the event.
She said: “Children from poorer families are missing out due to extortionate ticketed bonfire events.”
“We hear fireworks all year round”: Safety fears and disturbance complaints.
Others had a different view and opposed the return of the firework display for several reasons.
Some such as Rachel Morgan and Michael Cunningham described the event as a “waste” of public money and supported Leeds City Council’s choice to cut the firework display’s funding.
There were also suggestions that the fireworks put animals in danger, and create noise disturbances for nearby residents.
Jennie Hudson said: “It’s a nightmare for the poor frightened pets.”
Kath Bonners added: “We hear fireworks all year round don’t need any extra.”
“They're alright but they cost a fortune”: Finding a middle-ground
Though the more popular view was to bring back the Roundhay Park firework display, several readers did express worries about the cost to run the event every year.
This caused several people to suggest that the event should be brought back but with an attendance fee.
Nick Moore said: “They're alright but they cost a fortune.
“Bring them back by all means but charge a fiver per person including children.”
Craig Lawson added: “I understand that Leeds City Council is strapped for cash, and putting on the free event costs upwards of £200k, but it attracts around 70,000 people and introducing a small entrance fee of £3-4 (with discounts for families) would more than cover the cost of the event.
“Sponsorship revenue could also help to underwrite the event and, perhaps, help to keep the cost of entry to a minimum.”