Cambridge fireworks 2023: Why there will be no bonfire at this year’s display
There will be no bonfire at this year’s fireworks display in Cambridge, following controversy last year.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to Midsummer Common on Saturday, November 4 for what is one of the largest free displays in the region.
Organised by Cambridge City Council and sponsored again this year by Illumina, it will start at 7pm and has been designed by multi award-winning company, Pains Fireworks.
But following debate in 2022, there will no bonfire lit afterwards.
Dr Dick Baxter, who lives on the edge of the common, filed an official complaint last year saying the bonfire was unlawful, violated council policy and was a danger to public health.
The council disputed this – and denied the treated wood pallets unsuitable for burning that were seen in a compound beforehand had been burned. Instead, they were taken to a depot for disposal, the council said.
But the dispute led to a wider discussion about whether bonfires should be hosted by a council that has declared a climate crisis and it encouraged views from the public.
Now it has confirmed no bonfire will be lit.
Dr Baxter told the Cambridge Independent: “The council is acting responsibly this year. There will be no bonfire on Midsummer Common to pollute the air and damage human health. The council will be following its own environment policy and climate change strategy. And it is setting an example and can ask all of us to ‘consider the health of local residents and not start bonfires’.”
A spokesperson from Cambridge City Council’s team organising the event said: ‘This year’s fireworks display, sponsored by Illumina with support from city businesses and organisations, will be truly spectacular. We’re delighted to be working with an award-winning and environmentally committed company such as Pains, whose displays are carbon neutral, to create a memorable and sustainable community event shared by so many thousands within the city.
“The fireworks display is in keeping with the council’s environmental policy, as we invite people to come and enjoy this collective celebration, rather than marking the event with individual neighbourhood displays. The focus is on an extended fireworks display this year and no bonfire.”
Cllr Mairéad Healy, executive councillor for communities at Cambridge City Council, added: “Cambridge’s fireworks display is such a well-loved tradition in the city and a great way for people to enjoy fireworks in a safe and community friendly way. For decades, it’s always been a night full of excitement and anticipation.”
Established in 1862, Pains Fireworks is the oldest fireworks display company in the UK.
Tom Cranmer from Pains said: “We’ve been incredibly busy in recent months making our day-to-day operations as green as possible as we work to reduce emissions.”
The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to donate.
Tens of thousands of people are anticipated, so the council has urged people to allow plenty of time for their journey, to arrive early and wherever possible walk, cycle, or use public transport. Additional Park & Ride services will be available for the evening. The display begins at 7pm.
