Organisers say they hope the huge bonfire will be even better than last year’s event
People have shared their excitement for a huge bonfire set to be lit in a Merseyside park next week. A huge pile of wood has been assembled in Birkenhead’s Ilchester Park ahead of Bonfire Night on Tuesday.
The bonfire has been organised by a group of eight friends and the ECHO understands Wirral Council and Merseyside Fire and Rescue have provided guidance to the organisers to ensure everybody’s safety. This is the fourth time the group have built a community bonfire in Ilchester Park.
One of the organisers, James, told the ECHO: “We had thousands of people turn up last year. It was brilliant. This year we’re trying to make it better, but not necessarily bigger.” James and his friends have been collecting debris from all over Wirral to prepare the bonfire.
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He added: “We use a lot of old pallets – we just go around the pallet yards to collect them. We also collect things off the streets, where people have thrown away firewood and things like that. There’s a lot of flytipping, so we’ve been trying to clean up the streets a bit too.”
A community bonfire has been a long-held tradition in the north end of Birkenhead, even as other organised events disappeared. At last year’s event, around 200 volunteers helped to steward the bonfire and keep it as safe possible. Drone pictures showed the scale of this year’s bonfire and Liverpool ECHO readers have said they are looking forward to attending.
Charlene Whitty said: “I went to this last year. It was a great night and all safely done great community spirit and a day or two later was all cleared away.” Mandi Forshaw said: “Omg drove past this today it is absolutely massive well done to everyone stay safe everyone.”
Julie Hayes said: “Residents over the road won’t need to put there heating on that night the heat coming off that.” Cathie Le Brocq added: ” I love it. Reminds me of my Liverpool childhood.” Natalie Kellie said: “Brilliant – something for families to look forward too. Bagzy first jacket spud.”
Rob Leyland said: “That looks ace. Keep it up” and Mary Grech Healy added: “Get your marshmallows out.”
Karla Mcgarvie said: “Good old bonfire – just like the good old days. As long as it is done in a safe way and council approval – and also fire brigade are on standby should be a good night.”
