Council scraps fireworks night
A popular annual bonfire spectacular in Wolverhampton has been scrapped and two other annual city shows are left facing the axe, it was revealed today.
The bonfire and fireworks display at Bilston's Hickman Park, which each year attracts around 15,000 people, will not go ahead as the council tries to claw back cash.
Bosses said "logistics" were also being blamed for the cancellation following on from last year, when plastic walkways had to be drafted in at the 11th hour.
Today it also emerged that the Steam and Vintage rally – which had been expected to attract almost 40,000 visitors in June – is also under threat, along with the annual City Show in July.
Officers have budgeted just £23,000 for the event – despite it costing £49,000 to run. And £50,000 has been set aside for the City Show, which costs around £96,000.
Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett, who helps organise the city's outdoor events, said: "It is extremely sad about Bilston Bonfire. No budget has been set aside for the event and so it is gone."
Councillor Gwinnett, a member of the Steam and VIntage Rally committee, added: "There is problem with the budget for both the rally and the City Show as there is less cash allocated than they cost to run."
