Shropshire Star

Donnington Bonfire spectacular returns

The Donnington Bonfire will return this weekend, with organisers billing it "the biggest one-day funfair in Britain".

Published
Donnington Bonfire organiser Mark Mitchell with one of his many helpers, Carl Chadwick, at the huge stack of pallets

The bonfire spectacular, which goes back decades, will see two fireworks displays and the traditional bonfire at the Broadoaks playing field in Donnington on Saturday, November 10.

The annual sight of wooden pallets stacked high in the field off Wellington Road heralds the approach of the event, which has been a staple for 31 years.

The gates will open at 4pm, with tickets priced at £2, and funfair rides and stalls will entertain kids and adults.

A fireworks display for children will start at 7pm, the bonfire will be lit at 8 and 'the grand finale' display will go ahead at 8.45pm.

Organiser Mark Mitchell said this year's event will feature more than 20 adult rides.

But he warned the event is becoming harder to pull together each year because of health and safety regulations and the cost of insurance.

"We have been doing it that long that it becomes like second nature.

"But I'm not sure it can go on much longer, it gets harder and harder with the costs and we need the local support.

"Hopefully we have decent weather and everyone has a good time."

Last year 7,000 people enjoyed the show, and £500 was raised for the Severn Hospice.

This year's charity benefactor is yet to be decided.

Mark has been the principal organiser for at least 25 years, after taking the reigns from his father Alf.

2007's bonfire, the 25th, was the last to be organised by Alf before Mark took over.