Bodicote’s famous fireworks 50th year display cancelled

Organisers pull the plug on one of the areas most popular firework displays

One of Banbury longest running and most famous firework displays – the Bodicote Fireworks – will not be happening this year.   Organisers from The Bodicote Welfare Fund have announced the annual display on Kingsfield has been cancelled for 2020.

A post on social media stated, “It is with deep regret that Bodicote Welfare Fund have decided to cancel this year’s Firework Display.   It would have been our 50th year.   We look forward to holding it in 2021”.

Proceeds from the popular annual display are put towards the maintenance of the playing field and facilities for local people in Bodicote.   The display is always held on the 5th November each year.   A team of long serving firework experts oversee the traditional display, which is usually attended by several thousand people.

The message on behalf of the organisers concludes, “Stay safe and keep well”.

The first Bodicote fireworks display took place in 1970, making 2020 the fiftieth anniversary.   Displays in previous years have survived all weathers, but it is believed likely that coronavirus restrictions, social distancing requirements and likely limits on numbers for public gatherings has played a major part in this year’s decision.

The Bodicote firework display cancellation is the first of the Banbury area’s big autumn events to be cancelled in a year where coronavirus has ravaged the local events calendar.   Decisions on whether other town events will still continue are yet to be taken.   Banbury FM understands around the country a number of towns are already pulling the plug on their autumn schedules, including the cancellation of Christmas lights events in a number of places.

---

Published: 29/07/2020 09:54pm by Banbury FM Newsteam

---