Leeds city council has announced that 6 of its annual bonfires will be cancelled this year in an attempt to save money during the national economic crisis.
East End Park, Bramley Park, Roundhay Park, Springhead Park, Middleton Park, and Woodhouse Moor community bonfires have been cancelled.
The decision to cancel the Guy Fawkes celebrations came after a general public consultation, launched in February of this year, came out with a majority in favour of cancelling.
This year’s bonfire night events in Leeds were estimated to cost £215,000 and with the annual council budget already in a deficit, the decision was reached to cancel the community displays.
Leeds is one of many cities to ditch the widescale community events. Manchester, Nottingham and Glasgow have also called off their bonfire night displays over financial concerns.
Roundhay Park’s annual display is one of the largest bonfire night events in the country and has brought in up to 70,000 visitors in previous years.
Leeds resident, Georgina Danby, said: “The funding needs to go to something that needs to be prioritised.”
However, the cancellations have resulted in mixed emotions among the people of Leeds with many disappointed to hear the annual traditions will not be going ahead.
You must be logged in to post a comment.