(Image: Paul Safianyk)
The organiser of a popular Bradford bonfire event has defended organised fireworks displays, arguing they remain a safe and important community tradition despite growing criticism surrounding their use.
Wibsey Sports Village is preparing to host its fourth annual Bonfire Night celebration on November 7, with hundreds of families expected to attend the free event.
The comments come amid ongoing debate over fireworks, with concerns often raised about their impact on pets, vulnerable people and local residents.
However, organiser Paul Safianyk believes the focus should be on tackling irresponsible use rather than organised displays.
The Keenan family from Bonfire night 2024. (Image: Paul Safianyk)
“Bonfire Night isn't the problem”
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Safianyk said he understands why some people are frustrated by fireworks being let off late at night or outside traditional celebrations.
However, he believes organised displays are being unfairly caught up in a wider debate about anti-social behaviour.
He said: "I don't think Bonfire Night weekend is the problem. It's all the other weekends that people have a problem with. When you've got people letting fireworks off at all times of the day and night, or kids somehow getting hold of them and setting them off in parks and near houses, that's where the issue is.
"What we're doing is completely different. It's an organised event where hundreds of families can come together in one place, at a set time, and enjoy one display rather than lots of individual fireworks being set off all over the area."
Mr Safianyk said organised displays offer a responsible alternative by bringing communities together while reducing the number of separate fireworks being used across neighbourhoods.
Organisers insist safety comes first
The annual event is held with the knowledge of the council and emergency services, according to Mr Safianyk, who said organisers take a careful approach to safety.
A designated area is used for both the bonfire and fireworks, while spectators are kept at a safe distance.
Janice & Hunter Greenwood at last year's Bonfire night (Image: Paul Safianyk)
He said: "We do everything right. The council know what we're doing, the fire service know what we're doing and we're happy with the way it's run. It's a big organised event and it's all done in a safe and controlled fashion.
"The people doing the fireworks take it very seriously. Everything is planned in advance, everything has its place and people are kept well away from the firing area so they can enjoy the display safely."
This year's display will once again be delivered by local fireworks team The Pyro Brothers, who Mr Safianyk described as experienced and highly organised.
Fireworks finished by 8pm
Mr Safianyk said organisers are also mindful of concerns about noise and disruption.
The event will open at 5pm, with the bonfire lit at 6pm before a fireworks display at 7.30pm.
The fireworks are expected to finish by around 8pm.
He said: "We do it at a reasonable time. Everybody knows when it's happening because it's advertised beforehand and we stick to the times we've set out. The fireworks are done by around eight o'clock and that's it.
"We're not setting them off all night. We're not causing disruption for days on end. It's one organised display for the community and then it's finished."
“I wouldn't want to lose Bonfire Night”
Despite growing calls for tighter restrictions on fireworks, Mr Safianyk said Bonfire Night remains an important tradition that creates lasting memories for families.
Reflecting on his own childhood celebrations, he recalled small family gatherings, homemade food and modest fireworks displays.
He said: "We didn't have a lot of money when I was growing up. My mum would go to the shop with a few pounds and we'd get a couple of packets of bangers and a few little fireworks, but we made the most of it. They're memories I've got forever.
"I wouldn't want to lose Bonfire Night because it's part of who we are. It's one of my biggest childhood memories and I want today's kids to be able to make memories like that too. Come out, enjoy Bonfire Night for what it is, and enjoy it in a safe and controlled environment with family and friends."
The free event will include a bonfire, fireworks display, food and drink, with organisers expecting it to be one of the village's biggest community gatherings of the year.