Birkenhead bonfire cancelled over lack of support and recognition

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 10:38 · Archive

The annual Northend Bonfire Event at Ilchester Park in Birkenhead has been cancelled, with organisers citing insufficient financial support and recognition.

The Northend Bonfire Event at Ilchester Park in Birkenhead has been cancelled this year. The popular annual event, which attracts hundreds of people and features a bonfire and fireworks display, drew organisers' announcement of 'great sadness and disappointment'. Organisers said they had not felt 'very much included or recognised for the good that we do' and had not been 'given the financial support we feel we deserve'.

The cancellation follows a turbulent Bonfire Night at the park last year. The Wirral Globe reports that in 2024, Wirral Council told residents they 'should not attend' after the organising trust withdrew. The council said community members had built the bonfire larger than a limit specified by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, which was a requirement of its land use agreement.

Organisers said they are already looking ahead to the future. They hope to work more closely with local authorities and councillors from January 2027 to put on 'a safe and much more spectacular show' for the community. They added they have ideas for summer events, music events and Christmas events.

How it is being reported

• Huge annual Wirral bonfire cancelled as organisers cite lack of supportA POPULAR Birkenhead Bonfire Night event has been cancelled, with organisers saying they have not felt “included or recognised” for the work they do.Wirral Globe · 3 Nov, 10:03
• Major Birkenhead bonfire cancelled as organisers 'not given support we deserve'The annual event draws hundreds of people every yearLiverpool Echo · 2 Nov, 16:44

In this story: Birkenhead · Ilchester Park · Wirral Council · Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service · North Birkenhead Development Trust

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log