HEBDEN Bridge and District Round Table have finalised the plans for this year's community bonfire which will be held on Calder Holmes Park on November 1.
The community event has been one of the most popular nights in the town’s calendar for over 50 years and the local charity organisation hopes to built on the success of last year’s event.
The bonfire night had been put under threat by spiralling c
osts and some antisocial behaviour in recent times. But new security measures and a change in focus towards a more family orientated evening proved hugely successful last year, securing the future of the event.
Round Table chairman Rory Wiggin said: “Last year we spent a lot of effort making sure we returned the event to a family bonfire making it the safest place in Hebden Bridge to watch the amazing firework display. The result was way beyond what anyone could have hoped for. There was no reoccurrence of the behaviour that had marred the night in previous years and the feedback we received from visitors was fantastic.”
The focus of this year’s event will be very similar to last year and will feature funfair rides for small children and the usual spectacular firework display.
The biggest change will see an increase in the number of caterers coming onto the park providing a wider range of food.
Vice chairman Dave Chattel said: “Last year we outsourced the catering and introduced an organic hog roast which proved so successful they struggled to keep up with demand. So this year we’re not only bringing back the hog roast but we’ve invited more caterers, providing a wider range of food from Thai curry to hotdogs. We’re determined that no one will leave that park with an empty stomach”.
Other attractions will include the Ladies Circle chocolate tombola which was a huge hit last year, a variety of stalls run by local charities and the traditional Guy competition. If there are any local organisations such as schools, nurseries or creative workshops who wish to get involved, please email Pete Saunders on enquiries2008@hbrt.org.uk
“There are also opportunities for local businesses to support the community event. With costs increasing year on year the sponsorship that local businesses have so generously donated in the past is more important than ever,” said Mr Wiggin. “All the money raised goes to local charities and good causes. There are also a few stalls still available to local charities who want to raise money on the night, with approximately 8,000 people forecast to attend it is a great way to create awareness and raise funds,” he added.
People wanting to be involved are asked to contact Rory Wiggin on 01422 884585, email enquiries2008@hbrt.org.uk or visit www.hbrt.org.uk
The full article contains 478 words and appears in Hebden Bridge Times newspaper.
