Bonfire in hitch over licence

A Shrewsbury bonfire and fireworks display that attracts thousands of visitors and raises funds for charity has been scrapped because organisers do not hold a suitable licence.

The event, which brings about 5,000 people annually to the West Mid Showground, has had to be cancelled after bosses failed to obtain a new premises licence to use the PA system for music.

David Tudor, chairman of the Shropshire and West Midlands Show Agricultural Society, which organises the event, said it was a "great disappointment".

He said the society and Shropshire Ambulance First Emergency Responders could have lost out on a potential £5,000 each.

He said this year's show had been planned to be the most spectacular ever with paratroopers descending onto the showground with parachutes illuminated with halogen lamps and covered with glowsticks.

The cancellation follows complaints after last year's show from residents who were disturbed by noise. Concerns were also raised about non-licensed activities, including use of camping and PA systems.

Borough council licensing chiefs held a review of the society's licence in January and warned it could have the licence revoked if it breached conditions again.

Mr Tudor said the current licence did not allow the use of the PA system for evening events after October 30.

He said: "It's not going to be taking place because of complications over the licensing arrangements with outdoor music being the complicating factor."

He added the show would definitely be going ahead next year.