Thousands flock to enjoy Donnington bonfire party

Monday 14th November 2011, 10:59AM GMT.

Zoe Marcar, 11, Emily Martin, 11, and Laura Martin, 18, all from Much Wenlock
Zoe Marcar, 11, Emily Martin, 11, and Laura Martin, 18, all from Much Wenlock

Up to 15,000 people took advantage of a crisp and clear November evening to attend one of Shropshire’s biggest bonfire parties.

The sky exploded into life above Donnington in Telford on Saturday for the annual Donnington Bonfire spectacular.

Dozens of whirling fun fair rides carpeted the Broadoaks Playing Field and the giant bonfire made up of thousands of wooden pallets, donated by local companies, burst into flames at about 7pm.

The fireworks followed shortly after wowing the thousands of people who had turned up.

Bonfire organisers Jenny and Alf Mitchell said it had been a lovely evening.

Mrs Mitchell said: “It’s hard to put a precise number on the number of people attending the event because they are free to come and go as they wish. There are no gates around the park and the event is free to all who attend.

“But I would say about 15,000 people turned out. The weather turned out very well and was a lovely evening.”

Roads around the bonfire suffered delays with Wellington Road closed except for access to car parks.

Co-organiser Jenny Mitchell said the firework display was delayed by around half an hour after an accident forced the closure of a road near the event and apologised for any inconvenience.


  1. 1
    ian

    we went to the display and was very disapointed the fire was lit late then was stood even longer to wait for the fireworks which were the worst display ive ever seen they have been so much beter in the past

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  2. 2
    Zoe kavanagh

    This was not written by someone who attended. First the fire was meant to be lit at 7 but was close to 8. The fireworks did not start until just before nine. I have been going for the past six years or so and this was the worst fireworks display they have put on. In the past it was done to music and was a great special. Saturday was very too spaced out out and a very dull display. I will have to think hard before considering going again next year.

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  3. 3
    Bird

    and how much did you pay to get in?! £0!!! for a free event I wouldnt complain

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  4. 4
    tricia

    i dont know wot people want for nothing its a good night out for a lot of families.

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  5. 5
    Liam

    Exactly. Its a free event so if you dont like it you dont have to turn up. In all fairness i would say it was a good night all round :)

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  6. 6
    Lindsay

    Free or not – if you organise an event it needs to be worth it!! Maybe they should start charging, could then be as good as Wellington Cricket Club Firework display!!

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  7. 7
    kate

    i went and it was a wonderfull night for all the family, considering it was free of charge there was a little delay on the fireworks but wasnt a major wait dont no what all the fuss is about if you didnt like it dont turn up next time simple!!!

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