FIREWORKS will light up the night sky at more than 15 events across Oxfordshire over the next week and a half.

Bonfire nights and fireworks displays are planned at rugby clubs, cricket grounds, playing fields and pubs, and the annual Oxford spectacular at South Park on Saturday, November 9, is expected to draw large crowds.

Organised by Oxford Round Table, the 46th display usually attracts thousands of people and raises thousands for local charities including Helen & Douglas House and Oxford Children’s Hospital.

But one key element of recent years – the iconic wicker man which for several years has sat on a hill near the M40 and then gone up in flames at the event – will not play a part this year.

Dan Barton, who normally builds the sculpture, said he was disappointed his project would not go ahead but said it wasn’t the end of the tradition.

He said: “The wicker man isn’t happening this year, but the fireworks and bonfire are still going to be brilliant.

“I haven’t been able to do it because I’ve hurt my back quite seriously and I’ve been off work for nine months.

“But they’re brilliant fireworks, and there’s a huge bonfire and a lot of work goes into it, and it’s all for a very good cause, so I would encourage everyone to go along.”

He said he had big plans for the project next year, and was looking forward to being involved again.

Other big displays will include RAF Brize Norton’s annual display on Friday, an event at Culham Park on Saturday and a display at Grove Rugby Club on Friday, November 8.

Meanwhile Oxfordshire County Council has issued safety advice about letting off fireworks.

Petroleum and explosives officer Richard Rockall said: “Fireworks can be fun, but can also be dangerous if not handled properly.

“We urge that the utmost care is taken with their storage, handling and use, whether you are organising a display for the family, friends or the general public.

“We do urge people, where possible, to consider attending organised firework displays within their local neighbourhoods.”

Bonfires and fireworks displays

OXFORD

Friday, November 1

22nd Oxford Sea Scouts display with barbecue and refreshments, Meadow Lane, Oxford. Gates open at 6.45pm. Adults £5, children £3, families £15.

Tuesday, November 5

Family-friendly fireworks at St Michael’s Primary School, Marston Road, Oxford. Gates open at 6pm. Adults £3, children £2, families £8.

Saturday, November 9

Oxford Round Table Fireworks and Bonfire, South Park. Gates 5pm, fireworks from 6.45pm. Tickets £5.50, £13 for families.

Risinghurst and Sandhills parish fireworks event, Risinghurst Playing Fields, Grovelands Road. Gates 6.30pm. Entry £3.

WEST OXFORDSHIRE

Friday, November 1

RAF Brize Norton annual bonfire and fireworks display. Gates 6pm.

Saturday, November 2

The Wychwood Primary School and Shipton Cricket Club annual fireworks display at Shipton-under-Wychwood cricket ground. Gates open at 5.30pm, fireworks from 7pm. Families £10.

Charlbury Cricket Club fireworks display at the cricket ground in Dyers Hill. Gates open at 5.30pm, bonfire from 6.15pm and fireworks at 6.45pm. Adults £5, children £1.

Standlake Fireworks Spectacular at Standlake Village Hall, Rack End. Gates and live music from 6pm, fireworks from 7.15pm. Money will be raised for 1st Standlake and Cokethorpe Sea Scouts.

Free fireworks display at the Red Lion pub, Cassington, from 5pm.

Sunday, November 3

Chipping Norton Rotary Club fireworks at King's Stone Farm near the Rollright Stones. Gates open at 6.30pm, bonfire at 7pm, fireworks at 7.30pm. Advance tickets from Jaffe and Neale - adults £4, children £2, families £12. Tickets on the night - adults £5 adults, children £3, family £15.

Witney Rugby Club bonfire night event at Hailey Road. Gates 3pm, pig roast and barbecue at 5pm, bonfire from 6pm, fireworks at 6.45pm, music from 7.15pm. Free entry but collections made.

Friday, November 8

Hanborough Musical Fireworks at the Playing Fields and Pavilion in Long Hanborough. Gates open at 6pm, fireworks from 7.15pm. Adults £3, children £2.

SOUTH AND VALE

Friday, November 1

Bonfire and fireworks display at The Three Horseshoes, Garsington. Gates open at 6.30pm. Family ticket £10.

Saturday, November 2

Bonfire and laser show for Help for Heroes and Felix Fund at Culham Park. Gates open at 4.30pm. Entry £12 per car if booked in advance, £15 on the gate.

Fireworks at Faringdon House Estate. Gates open at 6pm, fireworks at 7pm. Adults £4.50, children £2.50, family £13 (advance, more on the night).

Didcot fireworks, Lloyd Recreation Ground, Brasenose Rd. Gates open at 5.30pm, bonfire from 6.15pm, fireworks at 7pm. Adults £4, children £2.50, family £10 (advance, more on the night).

Monday, November 4

Grove Parish Council fireworks, recreation ground, Cane Lane. Gates open at 7pm.

Tuesday, November 5

Fireworks at John Blandy Primary School, Laurel Drive, Southmoor. Gates open at 5pm. Entry £2.50.

Friday, November 8

Grove Rugby Club fireworks, Cane Lane. Gates open at 7pm. Adults £5, children £3, family £10 Saturday November 9 s Wallingford fireworks, The Kinecroft, Wallingford. Gates open at 6pm.

CHERWELL

Saturday, November 2

Bicester Round Table fireworks spectacular, Pingle Field. Gates open at 6pm, bonfire from 7pm, fireworks at 7.30pm. Advance tickets £4, on the gate £5.

Tuesday November 5

Kidlington Parish Council fireworks at Stratfield Brake Recreation Ground, Frieze Way. Gates open at 6.30pm. Adults £5, children £4.

Fireworks displays are also listed at oxfordmail.co.uk/events