LOCAL businesses are being called on to help Leicester’s Bonfire Night go with a bang by donating their broken or surplus wooden pallets.
The pallets will be used to create the centrepiece of the Abbey Park event: a huge bonfire that will go up in flames on Saturday, November 4.
Anyone with pallets who is able to deliver them to Abbey Park on Friday, November 3, can get in touch with the city council’s festivals and events team on 07784 233 997 or by emailing festivals@leicester.gov.uk
Details for the drop-off and a delivery time can then be confirmed.
People planning on joining the fun of Bonfire Night event can expect a dazzling evening packed with fun for all ages and with discounted tickets on sale, now is the time to book.
Discounted tickets cost £10 for adults and £8 for under 16s and other concessions. Family tickets cost £28 and a group ticket for four people costs just £30. There’s free admission for children under four.
Providing tickets are still available, people deciding to attend at the last minute will be able to buy their tickets online before 2.30pm on the day of the event, but prices will rise to £15 for adults, £10 for under 16s and concessions, and £40 for a family or group ticket.
No tickets will be sold on the gate on the night.
People can also buy their tickets in person from Visit Leicester, which is inside the King Richard III visitor centre on St Martins.
People will simply have to scan the tickets on their phone or print them out to gain access to the park.
Bonfire Night festivities in Abbey Park will include two stunning fireworks displays, a pyrotechnic lighting of the bonfire, an astounding collection of fire breathing, LED performers, as well as a funfair and a guest appearance by Gem at Breakfast presenters Jo and Sparky on the music stage.
A food court and licenced bar will be open, and there will be live music from Gazelle, while fire performers will amaze visitors with their pyrotechnic skills.
A quieter firework display for noise-sensitive and younger visitors will take place at 6.45pm, followed by flares and fire fountains to light the bonfire, before the main display lights up the skies above the city at 8pm.
Gates will open at 5pm, when the funfair and food stalls, live music and entertainment will get under way. The children’s firework display and the lighting of the bonfire are due to take place at 6.45pm.
A countdown to the main firework display will start at 8pm, with musical entertainment continuing until 9pm.
To ensure all visitors can enjoy the event, a viewing area will be reserved for wheelchair users.
People are reminded that no sparklers, fireworks or alcohol can be brought onto the site – and only assistance dogs can be admitted.
There is no car parking in Abbey Park, Abbey Park Road, St Margaret’s Pastures car park or the surrounding areas during the event, and visitors are encouraged to walk, use public transport or cycle to the event, using the bike parks on site.
A limited number of parking spaces for Blue Badge holders are available close by, but these must be booked in advance by emailing festivals@leicester.gov.uk
For advice on cycling and walking routes, visit the Choose How You Move website here.
More information about Bonfire Night in Leicester is available from Visit Leicester here.
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