Buxton bonfire to go ahead this year after new organiser comes forward

It was announced in October 2020 the event would not be continuing as the Lions, who had run the bonfire for 15 years wanted to step away from the community tradition due to ageing members and dwindling crowds.

However, not wanting it to be the end of an era Jane Fletcher, who organises the Spring Fair, has taken on the project and has plans to make it even bigger and better than previous years.

She said: “I went to the bonfire as a little girl and have so many happy memories there and to think it might have been lost for ever made me sad so I thought I’d take it on and take it forward.

"The Lions have done a fantastic job over the years so it would have been a real shame to see it disappear and all their hard work go to waste.”

Before the Lions were at the helm of the bonfire, it was organised by the Buxton Round Table.

Jane said: "The fireworks display has become such an important event for the town over the last 54 years attracting thousands through the gates so I’m really pleased to announce that all this will happen again in 2021 and for many years to come for everyone to enjoy.

“I’m organising fire performers and a fitness group who will be entertaining the crowds and will be bringing an improved fairground to the bonfire.

"There will also be a children’s display earlier in the evening for the little ones and the fireworks will be less noisy.”

With so much more planned for the November event Jane assures The Advertiser the price will not be going up. In fact she is looking at bringing it down and offering more family ticket deals.

She said: "I want to create an event that people want to come to and talk about afterwards and want to keep coming back to year on year.”

The bonfire, on Sunday November 7, will remain at the Buxton Cricket Ground as Jane said that part of the tradition was families heading up to the cricket ground.

She said: “The bonfire brings people together and after the year we have had with cancelled carnivals, cancelled schools fairs, missed birthdays it will be nice to see people come together and enjoy themselves.”

Secretary of Buxton Lions Club, David Brindley, said: “We are really pleased Jane has taken over this event as she is very experienced in managing events so we are sure it will continue to be a success.

"Jane has secured the Buxton Cricket Club ground on Park Road as the venue as in previous years which is fantastic news as it keeps the tradition going and the Lions have pledged they will continue actively to support Jane with resources and equipment that remain at their disposal.”

Jane is now looking for a sponsor to help her bonfire dreams become a reality.

If anyone is interested or if anyone can volunteer to help please contact Jane on 07976 006822 or email [email protected].

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. – Louise Cooper, editor.