Ilkley's Ashlands Bonfire marks 40 years with biggest fireworks display

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 13:15 · Archive

Ilkley's Ashlands Bonfire celebrates 40 years with its biggest fireworks display on November 7.

Ilkley's Ashlands Bonfire celebrates its 40th anniversary this November with its biggest and brightest fireworks display yet. The event takes place at Ashlands Primary School on Saturday, November 7, and has grown from a modest school gathering into a major fixture in the town's calendar, attracting families from across Ilkley and beyond.

The bonfire is organised and run entirely by volunteers, including parents, school staff, former pupils and members of the wider Ilkley community. Volunteers build the bonfire, set up the fireworks display, run food and drink stalls, and ensure the evening runs smoothly.

One volunteer who has been involved for over a decade described the event's lasting impact. 'When I first started helping with the bonfire over a decade ago, my grandson was still at Ashlands Primary School,' they said. 'Back then, I got involved to support his school, but it's grown into something that means so much more to me. To now be working alongside my grandson as an adult is really special.' The volunteer added that whilst the event has changed and grown over the years, 'the community spirit at the heart of it has always stayed the same'.

Cllr Damian Kearns, Mayor of Ilkley, said: 'Ashlands Bonfire has been bringing our community together for 40 years, and it's a wonderful example of what makes Ilkley such a special place.'

Ilkley's Ashlands Bonfire marks 40 years with biggest fireworks display — Image: Telegraph & Argus

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How it is being reported

Ilkley’s Ashlands Bonfire marks 40 years with biggest-ever fireworks displayA much-loved bonfire event is marking 40 years of community celebration.Telegraph & Argus · 29 Oct, 12:03
Ilkley’s Ashlands Bonfire marks 40 years with biggest-ever fireworks displayA much-loved bonfire event is marking 40 years of community celebration.Wharfedale Observer · 29 Oct, 11:58

In this story: Ashlands Bonfire · Ilkley · Ashlands Primary School · Damian Kearns

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