Christchurch Bonfire and Fireworks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is this event being held?

The Christchurch Rotary Bonfire & Fireworks event originated in 1977 to provide a safe and enjoyable public fireworks display.

Organised entirely by volunteers from Christchurch Rotary the event brings together numerous community groups, raising funds to support local charities, projects and indivduals, through the provision of a traditional Bonfire Night event. All profits from the event are distributed back into the community, making it not only a fun night out but also a valuable opportunity to give back.

What time will the bonfire be lit, and what time do the fireworks start please?

• Gates Open 5pm
• Bonfire Lighting 6.30pm
• Fireworks Display 7.45pm (20mins)

Are Scouts getting involved with this?

We are delighted to be supported by a number of Scout Groups who will be assisting in various ways, including providing food stalls during the event raising important funds for their groups, and in helping prepare and clear up the site.

Is there any parking available?

Unfortunately, there is no parking available on-site for the event. We encourage attendees to walk or use public transport wherever possible. If you do need to drive, please park respectfully to local residents in the surrounding areas. The nearest public parking is at 2 Riversmeet Leisure Centre, which is approximately a 20-minute walk to the event.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Why is this being held at The Grange School?

After 40 years of hosting the event at Stanpit Recreation Ground, ground tests detected methane gas making it unsafe for an event of this type. As a result we were unable to continue there.

We are extremely grateful to Twynham Learning for allowing us to use The Grange School sports fields as our new venue, allowing us to keep this long standing community event alive.

The Grange School offers a safe, spacious area for the bonfire, fireworks, and all the family-friendly activities we have planned. We’re excited to bring this much-loved event to a new home while ensuring everyone’s safety.

Why is this being held in the middle of a housing estate?

We understand the concerns of local residents, particularly regarding pets and debris. After 40 years at Stanpit Rec, ground conditions no longer allow us to safely hold the event there. This new venue provides the space necessary for a professionally managed fireworks display with the safety and fallout zones needed, plus all the other features of a traditional Bonfire Night event.

The ticket prices for the event enables us to cover our costs, and raise funds that Christchurch Rotary are committed to using to support our local community. The event also enables community groups to fundraise through food sales or to promote the work that they do.

We are committed to minimising the disruption from this event to local residents:

• The Fireworks are carefully managed, by a professional display provider with safety as our top priority. The Grange School provides adequate space to achieve this.
• Professional, low debris fireworks are used containing only bio-degradable cardboard or paper, in accordance with British Pyrotechnics Association (BPA) guidelines. Absolutely no ‘rocket sticks’ or plastics are used in any of these fireworks. The space offered at The Grange School enables a sufficient ‘Fall Out Zone’, in accordance with BPA guidelines to be established such that most, if not all, debris from the fireworks is contained on site.
• The fireworks display is scheduled for 7.45pm and will last for 20 mins. We appreciate this may cause some stress to pets but we believe that by providing a defined schedule residents can take measures to protect their pets. We also believe that in providing a public display at a fixed time this will reduce the number of private fireworks being set off throughout this traditional period

We greatly appreciate local residents understanding and cooperation in helping make this a safe, enjoyable, and beneficial event for all.

Will the fireworks be a danger landing in peoples gardens

Professional, low debris fireworks are used containing only bio-degradable cardboard or paper. Being supplied and managed by a professional fireworks display company the safety and environmental standards that must be adhered to are significantly more strict than ‘over the counter’ fireworks.  Absolutely no ‘rocket sticks’, plastics or other harmful materials are used in any of the fireworks used at this event.

We are grateful for the use of The Grange School as their sports field provides adequate space for this event in accordance with British Pyrotechnics Association (BPA) guidelines. The space offered enables a sufficient fireworks ‘Fall Out Zone’, in accordance with BPA guidelines, to be established such that most, if not all, of the bio-degradable cardboard debris from the fireworks is contained on site.

Do you need volunteers for gates etc.?

Yes, we’d love your help! The event relies on volunteers to make it a success. If you’re interested in helping we have several opportunities available, including:

• Setting up on Friday or Saturday morning
• Clearing the site on Sunday morning
• Marshalling during the event. 

Downloads

Bonfire Site Map