Hundreds of people showed up to a massive bonfire display this evening but the council had urged residents not to attend after the bonfire was found to exceed safety limits
Children were left ‘spooked’ at a unauthorised bonfire event tonight after “fireworks were set off in the crowd”.
Despite warnings from Wirral Council, hundreds of people flocked to Ilchester Park in Birkenhead for a firework display. The council had previously urged residents not to attend the event after inspectors found the bonfire exceeded safety limits set by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS).
Community Bonfire Night events have long been a Wirral tradition, but just moments before the spectacle was set to kick off, the council revealed that the North Birkenhead Development Trust (NBDT) had pulled out of organising the festivities.
A council spokesperson stated: “This is due to some members of the local community building the bonfire bigger than the limit that was specified by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and which was a requirement under the terms of the land use agreement with Wirral Council.
“As such, any activity on Ilchester Park this evening is unauthorised, and residents should not attend.”
Despite these warnings, large crowds descended on the park, where photos captured a towering bonfire ablaze as fireworks painted the night sky. Several food trucks and ice cream vans were also present at the event, along with live music, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Many attendees told the ECHO they felt the display was “completely safe” and “well organised.”
Molly and Margy, from Moreton, said: “The display is brilliant; it’s the same every year. We feel safe because they’ve kept everyone far away from the display and the bonfire.
“We’ve come here tonight from Moreton because there are no displays at all there. There used to be one years ago but the council stopped doing it. There’s nothing for the kids anymore. This is why we love Bonfire Night; it’s something you can do with your family.”
Basal Ustael, from Wallasey, brought her husband and two children along. She said: “This is our first time here but it’s absolutely amazing. It’s been really fun and the kids are really excited. They love the colours and the live music.”
Yet not everyone felt at ease. Sandy and Paul, from Bromborough, departed early after people started letting off fireworks amongst the crowd.
Paul said: “The kids got a bit spooked because some people were setting off fireworks in the crowd. I think it should be a bit more supervised. The bonfire looks like it might fall over at any moment.”
A new policy approved by councillors earlier this year means a fresh approval process is in place to approve bonfire night events. It comes after MFRS stated that several bonfires in 2024 were considered unsafe, leading to the introduction of new safety measures.
An MFRS spokesperson warned: “The bonfire was significantly larger than recommended and could have posed a serious risk to public safety. Thankfully, no one has been injured, but fires of this size can easily get out of control and endanger spectators, nearby property, and our firefighters.
“We understand people want to enjoy Bonfire Night, but it’s vital that bonfires are built to a safe size and in suitable locations. We have worked hard with local councils and partners to keep community bonfires to a safe size, and we’re grateful to those who are celebrating Bonfire Night responsibly and safely.”
