Bonfires and firework displays held across Leeds for Bonfire Night cancelled

The annual bonfires and firework displays held across Leeds will be cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Leeds City Council (LCC) traditionally hosts six public bonfires on or around Bonfire Night.

The popular events are usually held in East End Park, Roundhay Park, Woodhouse Moor, Middleton Park, Bramley Park and Springhead Park in Rothwell,

They attract more than 100,000 people each year.

Bonfire Night at Roundhay Park. November 2012. Picture by Simon HulmeBonfire Night at Roundhay Park. November 2012. Picture by Simon Hulme
Bonfire Night at Roundhay Park. November 2012. Picture by Simon Hulme
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The council has made the decision to cancel this year's events as it was "not possible" to host the events while following coronavirus guidelines.

It has also urged people celebrating Bonfire Night this year to abide by the guidance relating to gatherings.

A LCC spokesperson said: "Due to the continued challenges of coronavirus, we have had to take the incredibly difficult decision to cancel this year all of our public bonfires traditionally held across Leeds to mark Bonfire Night.

"Our public bonfires and firework displays are very popular, and we very much share the disappointment of residents that one of the stand out events in our city’s cultural calendar cannot take place this November.

Bonfire Night at Roundhay Park. November 2006. Picture by Dan Oxtoby.Bonfire Night at Roundhay Park. November 2006. Picture by Dan Oxtoby.
Bonfire Night at Roundhay Park. November 2006. Picture by Dan Oxtoby.
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"The safety and health and wellbeing of all our residents must however come first.

"With continued guidance relating to coronavirus limiting the numbers of people that are able to attend social gatherings and also taking into account appropriate social distancing measures, it is not possible for us to host our public bonfires which regularly attract in total over 100,000 people every year.

“We ask looking ahead, that anyone wishing to celebrate Bonfire Night this year continues to fully respect and abides by government guidance relating to social distancing and gatherings.

"Only by continuing as a city to work extremely hard, can we ensure that the risk of coronavirus is reduced.”

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Thank you

Laura Collins