THE skies of Oxfordshire are set for a spectacular display over the next week and a half as venues release details of this year’s Bonfire Night celebrations. Reporter Naomi Herring speaks to the guys behind the city’s biggest event

FIREWORK fanatics can for the first time toast the annual celebration at South Park of foiling the gunpowder plot, as organisers introduce a bar.

The huge display on Saturday, November 8 is now in its 47th year and has become a staple fixure in Oxford’s events calendar. Organised by the Oxford Round Table, the event promises to do more than light up the night sky with live music including 80s singer Owen Paul, fire-dancers, Hebborns funfair and food village.

This year will also see the event expand with the introduction of an enclosed family entertainment area as well as a bar courtesy of the White Horse Brewery.

Oxford Mail:

  • Jason Priest

Jason Priest, of the Oxford Round Table, said: “As we get more and more demand from the public, we have introduced the family area and bar to help with the build up and keep people entertained leading up to the big event.”

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Jack FM will be hosting the live music stage with performances from many artists including singer Owen Paul, best known for his 80s hit My Favourite Waste of Time.

Oxford Mail:

  • Ruby Davies at last year's Grove fireworks

Other bands include the Oxford-based Balloon Ascents, rock ukulele band Frankenstein’s Lobster, Oxford acapella group In the Pink and harp-based trio Schrödinger’s Strings.

But the main attraction will of course be the £11,000 worth of rockets that will shoot into the sky and shower the crowd in sparkles.

The event is also a key fundraiser for many charities across the county.

Christian Petersen, fireworks event organiser said: “The Oxford firework display is now in its 47th year, and over this time all profits raised have been donated to local charities. In the last five years alone about 50 local causes have benefitted.”

Oxford Mail:

  • Ellen Sagar, six, at Brasenose Road

Last year the event, which attracted about 20,000 people, contributed to the £38,000 raised for the Vale House Care home in Sandford.

Organisers are hoping for the same turnout this year and will be looking to raise about £50,000 to be split between various as yet undecided charities.

Mr Priest added: “We are very grateful to the community as we do rely on local clubs for their help with the event.”

  • Gates will open at South Park at 4.30pm with fireworks at 6.45pm, Tickets start from £6, with family tickets for just £13.50 in advance. Online tickets can be available from www.wegottickets.com or for a list of vendors please see www.oxfordfireworks.co.uk/tickets
  • AS Oxfordshire gears up to celebrate fireworks night throughout November, an Oxfordshire veterinary practice is offering advice to local pet owners to ease any animal anxiety.

According to Cogges Veterinary Surgery, Witney, just under half of all dogs and many cats will react to the sudden noises that come with Bonfire Night displays.

Some pets may suffer from firework phobia and become over-excited, withdrawn or even destructive - ripping up furniture for example.

Vet Karen Kappen said: “Do walk your dog before dark, before the fireworks begin and cats should also be brought inside before dark when possible. Try to settle your animal before the fireworks start, if your animal is in safe, familiar surroundings it will help to cope with the noise.

“At noisy times ensure that your animal can hide in their favourite room, close the curtains and turn up the TV or radio to drown out the bangs.”

For further information visit www.coggesvet.com or call 01993772627

THE county’s fire service issued safety advice on fireworks and bonfires as it prepared for this year’s events, despite four days of strike action planned.

The Fire Brigades Union announced last week it would carry out industrial action on Friday at 6pm until Tuesday, November 4, at 6pm as the dispute over pay and conditions with the Government continues.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer David Etheridge said the county’s FBU branch staff will return to work if a major incident happens and it will be able to cover every 999 call.

As part of its 365 Alive campaign, the service issued advice to people thinking about holding a fireworks display.

Tips include not drinking alcohol if setting off fireworks, not going near fireworks that have been lit - even if it has not gone off, and wearing gloves while using sparklers.

It also advised making one person responsible for a bonfire and allowing only that person and pre-selected helpers into the bonfire area.

Bonfires should be at least 18 metres (60ft) away from houses, trees, hedges, fences or sheds and only clean dry timber should be burned.

More more safety advice, visit 365alive.co.uk/

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