Copyright cambridge-news
Bonfire Night has long been a cherished tradition, bringing together families and friends to enjoy dazzling firework displays and a sense of community spirit. In Cambridge, the annual Fireworks Night on Midsummer Common remains one of the city’s most popular events, drawing huge crowds each year. This year’s celebration took place last weekend and featured a stunning pyrotechnic show alongside lively performances, including Autin Dance Theatre’s remarkable 13-foot puppet from Out of the Blue, animated by five talented puppeteers. Visitors also enjoyed a range of street food stalls offering hot meals and treats as they watched the festivities unfold. Yet despite the colour and spectacle, one major element was missing - the bonfire itself. For many, that omission stripped away the heart of the celebration. The absence follows a formal complaint made in 2022 by Dr Dick Baxter, a local resident who claimed the bonfire was unlawful, breached council guidelines, and endangered public health. His complaint led Cambridge City Council to permanently remove the bonfire from future events. The decision has reignited debate over safety, legality, and environmental responsibility, with many attendees voicing disappointment and describing this year’s event as lacking the warmth and spirit of previous years. Commenter Belchyscrumpet is in favour: “Good job Mr Baxter! The whole thing really needs a good cancellation. Huge pollution for no reason. This is not the 1800s. It's a totally unnecessary practice. We don't go around rubbing flint together or hunting with blow darts anymore so why should we continue with this outdated festival.” Martinjm replies: “The emissions from a bonfire are infinitesimal compared to the CO2 emitted from the enormous amount of construction in Cambridge. Some things should be preserved or we will all live in a sterile world. “Dr Baxter pointed out that they had used treated pallets on the bonfire that would give off harmful fumes. In a city like Cambridge every new office block or housing development emits millions of tons of CO2 and harmful particles, you wouldn't get near that even lighting a million bonfires. The entire thing is a sad affair compared to the days when there was a large funfair all week, an enormous bonfire and a spectacular firework display. It has all gone now and it's not even held on Guy Folks night as it used to be. Over the last ten years every Cambridge tradition has been destroyed.” Gemmadawes says: “Thank you!. The fireworks trigger me, I can hear them all the way from Swaffham Bulbeck and it feels like I live in a warzone.” Christopher Tennant said: “I remember going to Sarratt Common in Hertfordshire as a child, bringing our own fireworks. There was a bonfire, an ice cream van, candyfloss and doughnuts, no trouble, just happy families and children. Today’s generation has had all the fun taken away. No wonder people feel so lost now.” Trevor Cox says: “Better not call it bonfire night anymore. All those years of kids building their guys, hoping to win the honour of getting theirs on the fire, are gone. It’s really sad.” Leah Arnold agrees: Bring back the bonfire and the giant Guy Fawkes that used to sit proudly on top of it. We had such great fun in the 90s making him two years in a row. First the Guy disappeared, then the fair, and now the bonfire. It’s just not worth the hassle of travelling and dealing with crowds just to see fireworks. The event’s been ruined.” Rob Mckay wonders: “The whole point of bonfire night is to have a bonfire which represents the burning of Guy Fawkes. What's the point in having just fireworks?” Neil McArthur complains: “Another tradition on its way out - the council will be taxing enjoyment next!" Do you think the bonfire should have gone ahead or were the environmental and safety fears justified? Have your say in our comments section.
