Organisers of the Northend Bonfire event in Wirral have explained why this year's show was cancelled. The event, usually held at Ilchester Park in Birkenhead, had been scheduled to take place on Bonfire Night.
The event has become a popular fixture for local families, featuring a huge bonfire and a fireworks display. Announcing the cancellation on Facebook on Monday, November 2, the organiser said they were "sad and disappointed" that this year's event would not be taking place.
Reasons for cancellation
In a statement, organisers said a number of factors had contributed to the decision, including feeling they had not been sufficiently recognised or financially supported for the work they do. The organiser said: "Many factors have contributed to this year's event having to be called off. One being that we haven't felt very much included or recognised for the good that we do nor given the financial support we feel we deserve."
The organiser told the ECHO that due to late planning and correspondence with Wirral Council the event had to be called off. A number of aspects including funding, organisation and safety were to blame, they claimed.
Council response
Wirral Council responded saying it had offered to provide significant support in order to make the event possible. A Wirral Council spokesperson said: "The organisers submitted event plans on October 29. They were considered by the multi-agency Wirral Event Safety Advisory Group on October 30 2026 and permission was given by the Council to use its land. The organisers signed a Land Use Agreement later that day."
"As part of the agreement, the Council agreed to pay for all health and safety measures for the Ilchester Park event, including fencing, stewarding, generator, lighting tower and first aid provision and had placed orders for those things."
"We were subsequently informed by the organisers that they were struggling with help to organise and run the event and would need to withdraw, despite further support being offered by the Council."
All organisers - and a number of pallet companies – had been advised that the deposit of materials on respective sites earlier than the Land Use Agreement permitted, may result in financial penalties for fly tipping.
"Wirral Council does not provide funding for fireworks, though we are aware that the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Woodchurch made a contribution to the fireworks for that estate's event."
Looking ahead
Organisers have now said they are looking ahead to the future and hoped 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: "We've always prioritised our community and anyone that attends. Putting on free events for families and children."
"Opportunities for younger generations to succeed in bettering their community. Putting smiles on kids' faces and leaving a lasting memory for all who see how much good we try to do for you all."
"Although this year won't go ahead and many will be disappointed, us behind the scenes are excited for the future of what we've created as there are many ideas, not only for Bonfire Night, but also summer events, music events and Christmas events."
"So do not be to disheartened, keep an eye out for us come January as we begin our big push and venture into exciting times for the Northend."
