End of an era as Bodicote’s fireworks finish
29/07/2025
The largest display in the area has been running since 1970
The area’s biggest and longest running Fireworks display won’t run again.
Bodicote Fireworks first filled the November skies in 1970, but a number of factors – including the loss of car parking at Cherwell District Council former HQ – have resulted in the decision to cancel plans for any further displays.
In the past thousands of people have flocked to Kingsfield in Bodicote for the area’s largest display, which was always held on November 5.
Funds raised went to support Kingsfield and the Bodicote Village Hall, who’s Committee had run the event.
Alongside the issues over car parking, other areas leading the committee to their decision included the financial risks of organising such a large event, along with access issues now Kingsfield is surrounded by housing as Banbury has expanded.
A spokesperson for the Village Hall Committee said: “[The Committee] has had to make the very difficult decision that this event will no longer be able to take place. It started in 1970 as a small village firework display and has now grown to be the biggest in the area with many families from outside the village attending. This means a proper car park has always been needed.
“The new development due to take place at Bodicote House has meant that our main car parking area is no longer available. This is a huge loss and there is no other suitable parking available.
“We also have to take into account the access issues to the new estate behind Banbury Cricket Club and the financial risks, as operating costs have increased hugely over the years, which we have to commit to before the day arrives.
“We know it will be felt as a huge loss to the surrounding community, and beyond, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the many volunteers who have supported us and been instrumental in making this happen as well as everyone who has attended over the years.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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John karn On 29/07/2025 at 5:38 pm
Move it to the rugby club.
April On 29/07/2025 at 10:10 pm
This is so sad
Roger farr On 30/07/2025 at 6:12 am
To what extent has that been discussed?! The facility to park along the road in the new development is there ( this road is stacked on school runs) there is parking to the community centre and parking to bishop loveday school! Is this his policed correctly there is plenty of parking still! It’s the easy route to just stop such an event!