THE town’s fireworks and bonfire night event is set to go ahead this Sunday, 7 November 2021, in Harlow Town Park. 

On the night, the bonfire will be lit at 6.45pm with a 20-minute firework display starting at 7pm. The Playhouse Stage will now not be going ahead. 

Admission to the event is free. 

To help reduce both the length of time people would be congregating in the park and the number of people gathering near to the stage, the council has taken the difficult decision to not go ahead with the Harlow Playhouse stage this year. The stage was originally due to start the evening’s celebrations at 5.45pm. 

Councillor Joel Charles, Deputy Leader of Harlow Council, said: “I know that residents look forward to celebrating fireworks night, but this year we are going to adjust the programme to make sure practical steps are taken to address anxieties about public health on the night. Residents will be in close proximity with each other for an extended period of time, so the council has decided not to go ahead with the Playhouse Stage. This decision has not been taken lightly and I would like to apologise for the short notice and to say thank you to all the local groups who will be disappointed not to be able to perform on Sunday. It is the council’s determination that this will be a one-off and that the Playhouse Stage will be able to return next year. A wider perimeter will also be put in place around the bonfire to reduce the number of residents bunching up as much as possible as the crowd gathers at the Town Park.  

“The reason for making these changes is that the council has been monitoring the number of residents testing positive for COVID-19 carefully and following an increase in recent weeks, decided that a more cautious approach should be taken on the night. It has always been made clear that preparations for fireworks night would be reviewed based on the national and local COVID-19 picture.  

“Fireworks night is always a welcome annual event in the winter calendar. I hope residents have an enjoyable and safe evening.” 

Those attending the event are asked to consider taking a lateral flow test before and after the event. Anyone feeling unwell, or starting to develop any symptoms linked to COVID-19, are kindly asked not to attend. Residents are also asked to follow these safety guidelines: 

• Do not bring fireworks to the event; 
• be careful with sparklers; 
• wrap up warmly and wear appropriate footwear – the showground may be muddy; 
• bring a torch; 
• leave pets at home; 
• children must be accompanied by an adult at all times – if children become lost or separated, please report to the control tent at the top of the showground; and 
• remain behind the safety barriers at all times.

Parts of Fifth Avenue, Park Lane, School Lane and some roads serving these roads will be closed between 5pm and 8.30pm on Sunday 7 November 2021.

There is limited parking available for Blue Badge holders only at the showground car park before 6:15pm (people parked in this car park will not be able to leave until Fifth Avenue has been reopened at 8.30pm). Free parking will be available in the Post Office Road car park and Wych Elm car parks from 6pm to 8pm, and in the Water Gardens car park from 6pm to midnight.

Updated information on the event can be found on the council’s website – www.harlow.gov.uk