Bonfire night celebrations in full swing despite growing concerns around holiday

Bonfire night is on the way however there are growing concerns surrounding the sale of fireworks especially to young people and when it involves illegal fireworks.

This in line with the decrease in events has resulted in bonfire night gaining a less-wanted reputation.

Just before the holiday last year more than 1000 illegal fireworks were seized in a police raid. Furthermore, in 2023 the Garforth and District Lions Club charity bonfire night, which had been going on for 40 years, was cancelled due to a lack of guaranteed police presence and the “dangerous activities of some youths.”

Last year alone West Yorkshire Fire Service took 287 calls related to bonfire night celebrations from November 1, to Guy Fawkes night.

Carl Thomas is the Chairman of Moortown Rugby Club, who hosted an early celebration on November 1, he said:

“It’s really important there are safe events for families and what we’re trying to provide here is a full night of entertainment, where people can bring young children and enjoy the celebrations in a nice safe environment.”

The club has been running the event since 1992 and every year hope to provide not only a safe show but also one of the best firework displays in the entirety of the north.

Sam Mason is a member of the club and has been volunteering at the club’s events for the past three years, he said:

“I think the rise in anti-social behaviour isn’t due to bonfire night, I think its more general factors that are then heightened by the occasion.”

This along with the decreasing number of events available for young people can be seen as the root cause in anti-social behaviour on this once loved holiday.

So will the stigma remain or will bonfire night be able to be changed for the better? That remains to be seen.