The Woodchurch bonfire, one of Merseyside's largest and most well-known annual events, will go ahead tonight after organisers signed Land Use Agreements (LUA) with Wirral Council. The confirmation reverses last month's announcement that the event had been cancelled.
In October, the charity behind the bonfire, Woodchurch Connect, said it had pulled out of this year's event despite the efforts of the "lads involved." At the time, a Wirral Council spokesperson said the council would "see what can be done to get the event back on track again before November 5."
Council confirms community events
The council has now confirmed that a number of community-led bonfire events will take place tonight, including on the Woodchurch Estate, after organisers signed the agreements. A large stack of wooden pallets has been placed on the estate ready to be set alight this evening.
A council spokesperson said: "Groups looking to stage events had earlier had their plans considered by members of the Wirral Safety Events Advisory Group (WESAG), which consists of representatives of a number of council departments, police, fire and social housing providers.
"The events that have LUAs in place are at Wallasey (Central Park, fireworks only), Woodchurch, Leasowe, Noctorum and Beechwood. The council is supporting each event in different ways, including covering costs for safety measures such as fencing, stewarding, first aid provision and enacting road closures."
Organisers praise volunteers
Confirming the event will go ahead, starting at 6pm, Woodchurch Connect posted on Facebook: "Our event organisers have been under immense pressure to make this happen, and it certainly hasn't been an easy journey.
"The lads have been up on that field morning, noon, and night, putting in hours and hours of hard graft, building the bonfire, preparing the field and doing everything possible to keep this much-loved Woodchurch tradition alive. Their dedication, determination and commitment to our community have been absolutely incredible. We are all super grateful to every single one of you. Thank you, lads! Woodchurch appreciates you!"
In addition to the bonfire being lit between 6pm and 6.30, a half-hour firework display will take place from 7pm.
