The Stray bonfire 2016: full preview

Harrogate District Round Table is once again presenting a family event synonymous with November 5 - the annual charity bonfire and firework display on The Stray.
Last year's Harrogate Round Table bonfire on The Stray.Last year's Harrogate Round Table bonfire on The Stray.
Last year's Harrogate Round Table bonfire on The Stray.

Incredibly, it’s the 45th time they have held the event and, as in previous years there will be a warm family feel where everyone can watch the display in safety. The Harrogate bonfire and fireworks display is one of the few events of its kind across the county that does not charge an entry on the gate. Instead, the organisers look to the generosity of people of Harrogate and the surrounding areas to dig deep and donate as much as they can on the night to support the selected charities. Organiser Joshua Lawson from Harrogate Round Table said proceeds would go to the following charities this year:Yorkshire Cancer Research.Our Angels.The Rainbow Fund. She said: “All the causes are extremely worthwhile and we hope that the people of Harrogate will give generously to the official bucket shakers on the night.“Yorkshire Cancer Research has been generating support and investing the donations they receive for 90 years in the fight against cancer. “Our Angels fundraise to provide support and help bereaved families through the loss of their baby. “The Rainbow Fund is a new charity launched in February this year which has recently been supporting the special baby care unit at Harrogate Hospital to provide lifesaving medical equipment.”#Yorkshire Cancer Researchis an independent, Harrogate-based charity, which was formed in 1925.It aims to improve cancer outcomes in Yorkshire by raising awareness of cancer and how to prevent it, promoting screening programmes to increase early detection and funding innovative research projects, from diagnosis to end-of-life care. Charles Rowett, chief executive officer at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “We’re extremely excited to have been chosen as one of this year’s charities. The event raised more than £11,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research in 2011, and we’re hoping everyone will give generously once again.“Cancer outcomes in Yorkshire are below the national average, and the money raised will go towards patient-focused research and community health initiatives that will result in lower incidence rates and higher survival rates in every part of our region.”As in recent years the event will surrounded by a perimeter around the event ensuring that the public enter and exit the event via four main entry points around Oatlands Stray.These entry points will be well lit and signposted so that they are easy to identify. Visitors can donate by walking past the Round Table teams of buckets shakers at these entry points.Support will come from by the local scouts who will be selling hot food and drinks on the night as well as the Western Primary PTA who will be selling glow-in-the-dark novelties.Harrogate Round Table’s Joshua Lawson said: “Everything is set and it looks like this year should be the best yet so please come down and enjoy the show.”Organisers are also emphasising in order to protect The Stray from damage, parking on the grass areas of The Stray is strictly prohibited.People travelling to the bonfire are strongly recommend to park nearby and walk to the event. The town centre is only around 15 mins away with lots of public transport options and free parking in the evenings.Timings for the event are as follows: Stray FM build-up from 6.00pm, light the bonfire at 6.30pm and fireworks from approximately 7.15pm.On going to press the BBC weather forecast for Saturday was slightly cold but dry and bright.The Round Table would like to thank a number of local organisations for their help with this event - Ferrensby Fireworks, Stray FM, FT Audio Visual, HACS group, Fishers, Speedy Hire, Belzona, Harrogate Borough Council and 9XB.