Cassiobury Park fireworks display 2008 on Saturday November 8>>>

FOR the first time since its inception almost 40 years ago, this year's fireworks display in Cassiobury Park will be without a bonfire.

"Due to a number of factors, we will not be having a bonfire this year," Dave Cobb, Watford Borough Council service manager said.

"It takes significant staff resources to build and steward the fire, and reinstate the area afterwards. Once lit, it is extremely difficult to put out, in case of overcrowding or crowd surges.

"It also goes against the council's key objectives of having a smoke-free town, by causing air pollution and scorching surrounding trees."

This year's fireworks display is being organised by Watford Borough Council after Watford Round Table pulled out of running the event.

As a replacement for the bonfire, professional fire performers will entertain the crowds. The event's popularity has seen more people attending each year, making the organisation too much for the Round Table. Rising costs have meant the council had to underwrite it for the last two years.

Peter Taylor, treasurer of Watford Round Table, said: "We are very sad to lose it. We have done it for 38 years. The reason is that it is a lot of work for what is now a small group.

"Last year it cost about £26,000 and we took in £27,000. It's very tight on breaking even. A few years ago we made a significant loss and Round Table members could be liable."

Dorothy Thornhill, mayor of Watford, apologised for not being able to have a bonfire in Watford on Bonfire Night.

She said: "The reality is we have not got capacity. In health and safety terms it gets more dangerous and difficult to hold every year."

The mayor added: "People attending the display can be sure of an entertaining evening and we hope the new additions will prove popular with all concerned."

The fireworks display will be on Saturday, November 4 in Cassiobury Park at 7.30pm, with entertainment from 6.30pm. Collections will be made by the Samaritans.