Express & Star

Call for pallets ahead of Himley bonfire

There's no smoke without fire and there's no fire without pallets - that's according to those in charge at Himley Hall and Park.

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Left , Jacki Wynn , John Allez and Cllr Ian Kettle are on the lookout for more pallets for the Himley Hall bonfire.

Council chiefs have made a fresh appeal to businesses around the Dudley Borough for wooden pallets to help stoke their huge bonfire on November 4th at Himley Park.

Companies wishing to help out have been urged to ensure their donations are not garden rubbish, old furniture or that the pallets are broken.

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said “The fireworks and bonfire display at Himley is the largest council-run display in the country.

“Every year the event is tremendously supported by local companies donating huge numbers of pallets and we hope this time it will be no different.

“Anyone who can help is urged to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Companies wishing to dispose of their pallets and are able to deliver to Himley Park should call 01384 817817 as pallets cannot be collected.

Himley Hall and Park received a phone call on Wednesday morning from Blackburns Metals who sent panels over.

Himley Hall and Park senior officer Adrian Butcher said: "We have had a couple of hundred pallets already and what we're trying to aim for 1,500.

"We're hoping for around 23,000 people at the event, we always try to aim for that.

"We're just hoping for a nice dry day and it will be nice to have a bright, crisp evening."

The event will take place on November 4 at Himley Hall where gates open at 4.30pm with the bonfire being lit at 7.45pm and fireworks at 8.30pm.

It comes as last year fans flocked to the annual event to celebrate its 40th year, with the biggest bonfire ever set in the historic grounds to a soundtrack provided by Heart FM.

The bonfire saw more than 1,500 wooden pallets were used and two kilometres of fuse wire brought in to electronically spark the impressive fireworks.

The event is the largest local fireworks display in the country