Bonfire Night 2022: Leeds City Council cancel all six of its public fireworks displays including Roundhay Park spectacular due to 'budget pressures'

The council usually funds free bonfires and fireworks events at locations including Roundhay Park which attract thousands of visitors and are operated by licensed contractors.

The council’s statement read: “Leeds City Council’s six annual bonfire and firework events will unfortunately not be taking place this year.

“The decision has been taken due to significant budget pressures faced by the council and the current cost of living pressures on local residents which are having a significant impact on the council’s demand for services and support.

“In addition, the council is facing an increase in the cost of electricity, gas and fuel and given the costs associated with restarting bonfires this year would be in excess of £200k, the decision to cancel the displays has been taken due to the need to identify any non-essential spend.

“Leeds City Council’s Safer Strong Communities Team will be working closely with partners in areas across the city to mitigate any potential negative impact of fireworks and associated anti-social behaviour in the run up to and on Bonfire Night. This work will be focussed in those areas that are known to have experienced anti-social behaviour around bonfire night in previous years.”

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for public health and active lifestyles, said:

“It is obviously very disappointing for residents that bonfire and firework events cannot restart this year, however the council must work hard on cutting all non-essential spend in the current financial climate.

“We certainly did not take this decision lightly, and we know that this news will come as a real disappointment to many people, and this disappointment is something that we share.

“The council continues to be committed to working with partners to ensure that significant community and cultural events will still be able to take place later this budget year and in the run up to Christmas.”