By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
The bonfire night event at the Forest Recreation Ground has been cancelled by Nottingham City Council as costs to hold the event “doubled” – with the leader of the authority’s opposition saying “it’s sad old traditions are dying”.
The Labour-run council cancelled the event in 2022 due to costs, and it also cited budget pressures then as a reason for the cancellation.
The event typically costs around £30,000 and about £10,000 of income is made from the fairground and food and drinks.
However, the council says costs for the event which was due to be held on Sunday, November 5, had doubled to £60,000.
Rising costs, set against the context of budget pressures at the council, mean the event has once again been cancelled.
Kevin Clarke, the leader of the Nottingham Independents and Independent Group, said: “It’s sad old traditions are dying just because of a bit of money.
“At the end of day if they had Goose Fair on for 10 days, surely the extra revenue could have gone towards giving the city something back.
“Could they not have even looked at putting a small charge in there to boost it along? For five or six pounds I am sure people would have done it.”
The cancellation comes after the council was forced to plug a £9.8m overspend last year, around four per cent more than what it had anticipated in its budget for the year, using its reserves.
It is now facing a wider budget gap of £26m this year, and £50.9m in 2024/25.
Savings must be drawn up before March next year when the budget is set.
The bonfire night event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic, and last year due to costs.
Labour councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at the council, said: “It’s disappointing the Bonfire Night event has been cancelled for the fourth year running.
“We did not want to have to take this decision, but with increasing financial pressures in a very difficult current economic climate, we were left with no choice.
“We understand this will be a big disappointment to families across Nottingham who look forward each year to a firework celebration at the Forest Recreation Ground, but we have a responsibility with budgets so tight to justify every pound that’s spent.
“I know officers worked really hard to secure external funding, but unfortunately costs remained very high in a number of areas and we continue operating in a tough economic environment, making it difficult to stage the event this year.”
The free event is funded by the council and the Mellors Group.
A third of the £60,000 costs would be covered by the Mellors Group, and the remaining £40,000 would be paid by the council.
The cost includes fireworks and event attractions as well as site management, security, medical cover and anti-terrorism measures.
Costs had risen substantially due to inflation, the council says.
James Mellors, of the Mellors Group, added: “I’m disappointed this year’s event has been cancelled, but I understand the council’s decision.
“While the bonfire event may not be happening on November 5, we look forward to providing Nottingham folk with seasonal entertainment soon after when we open Winter Wonderland at Old Market Square on November 7.”
