“Huge disappointment” as popular Derbyshire bonfire night and fireworks event cancelled after venue flooded during Storm Babet

The venue for Erewash Borough Council’s (EBC) spectacular is West Park in Long Eaton – which was flooded when Storm Babet hit and will not dry out in time to stage the event on November 4.

A council official said: “The main event area was left with significant surface water following the storm. The council assessed the event site and has to prioritise safety, including the movement of the public and vehicles on site, as well as access in case of emergency.

“Effective event management would not have been possible following the flooding and site damage, particularly with more rain having fallen on already sodden ground.”

Advance tickets were available via an online vendor and anyone who made purchases will be issued a full refund to the card they used within the next seven days. No further action should be needed.

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Others who bought tickets from town halls will need to return to the same receptions and hand the tickets back for refunds.

EBC’s deputy leader, Councillor Becca Everett, said: “It is with great sadness that the council has had to cancel Long Eaton’s bonfire and fireworks. We know this will come as a huge disappointment to residents in the borough – but safety has to be our number one priority. Our focus right now continues to be on helping those living here who were hit by the flooding.”