This year’s South Milford Bonfire will not go ahead, the Bonfire committee have issued this statement:
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
It is with great sadness that we have to annouce that the bonfire will not go ahead in 2018.
We have come to this decision reluctantly as a result of a number of issues, including a review of health and safety procedures.
Our safety record over the last 25 years has been exemplary but, as the event has grown in size and popularity, it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the demands of current regulations without help from the local authorities.
We are also very sad to inform you that our expert and specialist pyrotechnic, Dave Partridge, who dedicates months of his own time to ensuring that our event is spectacular, is suffering from a serious illness and will not be able help with the event. Our thoughts are with Dave and his family at this time.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last 25 years – we appreciate the disappointment this decision will cause.
We have raised more than £325,000 for local community groups during this time and this could not have happened without the help of everyone who has attended the event, the sponsors and the volunteers.
Please continue to support the groups who have benefited from the bonfire and will be looking to raise funds elsewhere.
We are very passionate about our event and the funding it provides for the local community. We will continue discussions with the relevant authorities and do all we can to try to run the event again in 2019.
Thank you,
The South Milford Bonfire Committee