THE Christchurch Rotary Bonfire and Fireworks has been cancelled again this year due to extensive tests taking place at Stanpit Marsh.

BCP Council is in the process of organising the necessary testing and has appropriate funding in place.

The Rotary event, which was planned for November 6, has been part of the Christchurch community’s celebration of Guy Fawkes Night for over forty years.

However the popular Bonfire and Fireworks event is due to return next year.

Rotary Bonfire organiser Paul Mills said: “We in Christchurch Rotary Club are really sorry that we cannot run the Bonfire and Fireworks this year, but we do recognise the paramount need to guarantee public safety.

“We are grateful to BCP Council for undertaking the testing, and we all hope that November 2022 will see a new edition of our Bonfire Night.

“We will be working with BCP officers to that end.”

The community event was originally established to enable residents and visitors to enjoy safely the excitement of a large bonfire and a spectacular professional firework display.

Over the years it has also raised many thousands of pounds for local youth charities and organisations.

In the meantime, Christchurch Rotary is organising a new initiative for December, the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar.

The festive program will see a series of early evening performance events supporting twenty-four local charities, one for each day of Advent.

For more details, visit the C.L.A.C. website.