Battle bonfire still homeless as season starts

Discussions are still ongoing between Battel Bonfire Boyes, landowners and the emergency services as to where the firesite will be located on Saturday November 2.

It is believed a couple of potential sites have been under discussion over the past few months.

A health and safety meeting is due to take place on Tuesday (September 17) with a decision expected to be made shortly afterwards.

Last year BBB were forced to find a new firesite at the eleventh hour after heavy rain and the annual 1066 re-enactment took its toll on the battlefield.

A scaled-back bonfire took place on the Abbey Green and in a bid to keep crowd numbers down, visitors from outside the area were discouraged from attending.

The event was hailed a success with some branding it ‘the best bonfire since ‘95’ - the last time it was held on the Green.

English Heritage has already ruled out the possibility of holding the event on the battlefield in 2013.

Earlier in the year, Battel Bonfire Boyes considered switching the day the event is held from the traditional first Saturday of the month to Tuesday November 5 in a bid to keep down crowd numbers.

Wherever the firesite is located, local emergency services say they will work closely with the Boyes to ensure the event is safe and enjoyable.

Inspector Lee Lyons, who will act as police commander on the night, said: “We will be working closely with the Battel Bonfire Boyes and other emergency services to ensure the event is safe and enjoyable.

“The exact nature and location of the festivities is a matter for the organisers but we will endeavour to provide the most appropriate advice and support.

“We undertake regular meetings with the organisers and I’m confident that this year will see another enjoyable family event.”