A BOROUGH’S annual bonfire and fireworks extravaganza has had to be cancelled because of flooding from Storm Babet.
The venue for Erewash council’s spectacular is West Park in Long Eaton – which was left awash and will not dry out in time to stage the event on November 4.
Thousands look forward to the display every year. The 2023 one was billed as having an “Out of This World” theme, with advance tickets being sold online.
A council official said: “The main event area was left with significant surface water following the storm.
“The council assessed the event site and has to prioritise safety, including the movement of the public and vehicles on site, as well as access in case of emergency.
“Effective event management would not have been possible following the flooding and site damage, particularly with more rain having fallen on already sodden ground.”
Advance tickets were available via an online vendor and anyone who made purchases will be issued a full refund to the card they used within the next seven days. No further action should be needed.
Others who bought tickets from town halls will need to return to the same receptions and hand the tickets back for refunds.
Erewash’s Deputy Leader Councillor Becca Everett, who is Lead Member for Community Engagement, said:
“It is with great sadness that the council has had to cancel Long Eaton’s bonfire and fireworks. We know this will come as a huge disappointment to residents in the borough – but safety has to be our No1 priority.
“Our focus right now continues to be on helping those living here who were hit by the flooding.”
