BROMSGROVE'S firework and bonfire is set to be replaced with an illuminations show and activities programme this Autumn.

A free, four-day illuminations display and Autumn activities programme will be held at Sanders Park and Birdbox.

Bromsgrove District Council has taken the move to ensure the safety of residents amid uncertainty around future Government legislation around Covid and large gatherings.

Last year's bonfire and fireworks event was cancelled due to Covid and officers have spent the last months exploring different options.

It is also hope the event, which can be managed over four days, will reduce a one off mass gathering to ensure people's safety and will more accessible for residents.

Details of the illuminations and activities will be revealed next month.

Bromsgrove District Council Leader Cllr Karen May said: “It’s great that so many people are getting their double jabs and once again we see the District coming alive with shops and businesses back up and running and our events programme back on track.

“However, there is no certainty about where will be, with Covid in mind, by November and rather than our officers spend time and money on an event which could be cancelled, we’d rather they invest in a four-day event which can be enjoyed by everyone.”

District Councillor Phil Thomas, whose Portfolio covers Leisure, said: “Throughout the pandemic our Events Team has been working on new ideas to engage our residents and to be realistic, with safety in mind.

“While it’s great to see events like, most recently, our Street Theatre, return, we can’t be complacent and this Illuminations Extravaganza event is a robust replacement for the Bonfire and Fireworks event for 2021.”

It follows a similar move at in Redditch, where the borough council has replaced the town's annual fireworks at Arrow Valley Lake with an illuminations event.