Southwark Park set to host Southwark Council's Guy Fawkes Night
Published 29 September 2011
Plans to hold Southwark Council's annual Guy Fawkes Night in Southwark Park were revealed today (29 September).
Council bosses have drawn up proposals to hold a traditional fireworks display in the 63 acre park in Bermondsey.
If given the go-ahead, organisers predict an estimated 4,000 party goers will attend the free council-run event on 5 November.
As well as the much-loved rockets, roman candles and sparklers the council is also set to provide food and novelty stalls, a mulled wine and spiced cider bar and children's funfair rides.
Southwark's Leader Councillor Peter John said: "I'm absolutely delighted to announce plans to hold our Guy Fawkes Night event in Southwark Park.
"It's set to be a great family fun event with an array of spectacular fireworks in one of the most stunning parks in the capital.
"Along with the rest of the council, I'm looking forward to celebrating this great national tradition with thousands of people from across Southwark and beyond."
Cllr John added that contrary to recent reports the council was committed to celebrating traditional values and events.
He said: "We are genuinely sorry if some people now have the impression that we don't support traditional values or events as nothing could be further from what we are about as a council."
The announcement follows consultation over alternative venues for the council's fireworks event in the south of the borough.
Subject to final approval, the event is scheduled to start at 6pm and end at 7.30pm at the south end of Southwark Park near the running track. The fireworks display itself is scheduled to start at 7pm.
Southwark Park first opened its gates to the public in 1869. In 2001, the park under went a major refurbishment following a grant of £2.5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
