The free Bonfire Night celebrations, organised by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service on behalf of Northallerton Town Council, help to hugely reduce firework-related accidents- last year only two call-outs in the area were related to bonfire night and neither was serious.
The event, which takes place at the Applegarth just off Northallerton High Street, is now in its 47th year and attracts over 5000 people but relies largely on the support of local businesses and donations.
Simon Bailes Peugeot has sponsored the event for the last few years and has now committed to becoming the main sponsor for the next three years. The company will co-ordinate, manage and market the event in order to help it grow and develop.
The family-run business, one of the biggest and longest established in Northallerton, is again working with the Town Council and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to stage the event, which is always greatly supported by the local community.
This year’s extravaganza will include a huge, organised bonfire and fireworks display as well as fairground attractions. It’s hoped people will make donations on the evening to help support the event for next year.
Simon Bailes said: “This is one of the longest running events for Northallerton and the surrounding areas and helps to massively reduce accidents on Bonfire Night. We want to develop the event and make it bigger and better- especially as it nears its 50th anniversary. It’s also great fun as it’s such a family-orientated community event so we are really pleased to be the main sponsor for the next three years. We’re looking forward to working positively again with the Town Council and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.”
Darren Henderson, watch manager from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night, but we want them to do so safely. The best way for people to have an enjoyable, fun and safe evening is for them to attend an organised event such as this one in Northallerton where the fireworks are handled by professionals. It’s a great event and it’s free but we do ask for- and greatly appreciate- small donations.”
Mayor of Northallerton, Councillor John Forrest, said: “I would like to express my thanks on behalf of the Town Council for the work and support provided by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, particularly Northallerton Fire Station, and to Simon Bailes for his continued support of this major, community event.”
If you can’t make it along to this year’s event and are planning to celebrate at home please follow these tips from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service: -
• Only buy fireworks from a legitimate retailer.
• Check the fireworks you buy are suitable for the size of the garden and conform to British Standards (BS 7114).
• Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix.
• Light fireworks at arm’s length with a taper.
• Stand well back and keep others back.
• Never go back to a lit firework.
• Never play with fireworks or put fireworks in your pocket.
• Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Store fireworks in a metal box, kept closed between use.
• Keep pets indoors.
• Sparklers can cause serious injury to children if not handled correctly.
• Do not give sparklers to children under five and closely supervise children over five.
The free celebrations take place at the Applegarth just off Northallerton High Street from 6.30pm on Wednesday 5th November.