West Park Bonfire in plans to move to Wolverhampton Racecourse

The historic event has been held at West Park for decades.

But, as with the annual summer City Show, council chiefs are toying with the idea of moving it to the racecourse in a cost-cutting measure.

Around 14,000 people attended the bonfire last year.

It is thought it is cheaper to hold two of Wolverhampton's showpiece events at the racecourse rather than West Park.

Former mayor Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett said that charging for both parking and entry to the potential racecourse bonfire could be a mistake.

He added: "I don't mind if they charge per car or on the gate, but the two together would be a double whammy.

"If they're going to charge they've got to get it right.

"My greatest fear is that if they don't get it right the event could go.

"But personally I think it'll work if it's a fantastic event to draw the crowds in."

At last year's bonfire, tickets cost £4.50 for adults and £3 for children, with under-twos going free.

Meanwhile, it has been claimed bosses performed a u-turn on axing Hickman Park Bonfire in Bilston.

Councillor Gwinnett said he was 'categorically' told last week that the Hickman Park event was being axed.

But council chiefs insist there will be a Bilston bonfire this year.

Councillor Gwinnett said: "I welcome the change of heart, if it's correct.

"It's good news for the people of Bilston and it'll be safer than loads of people having their own bonfires, which is what I was concerned about.

"I'm delighted if they keep it."

Wolverhampton City Council's leisure chief, Councillor Elias Mattu, said: "Let me be quite clear – there will be a Bilston bonfire and firework display.

"There will be two bonfires in the city – one in Wolverhampton and one in Bilston. We know how important bonfire night is to people.

"We are considering the racecourse as the venue for the Wolverhampton bonfire this year, but no decision has been taken.

"Either way, this has no implications for the Bilston event."

Council spokesman Tim Clark said suggestions of any increased entry charges or introducing car park chargers was 'hypothetical' as no decision had yet been made on the location of the event.

Elsewhere in the city's events calendar, country music festival Wolvestock was axed last year while the West Park Steam and Vintage Rally at West Park was scrapped a year earlier.

Last year's West Park Bonfire included a poppy-themed firework display to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

There were 4,500 at Hickman Park's event, which was axed in 2009 due to cost-cutting before being resurrected a year later.