The Edgarstown Bonfire Committee in Portadown has announced a series of changes and safety measures ahead of this year’s Eleventh Night bonfire, which will take place on Wednesday, July 10.
In a statement, the committee confirmed that fencing has now been erected around the bonfire field and that access to the site is being strictly controlled.
“At present, we are only accepting pallets and are not taking any other scrap materials,” the committee said. “The site is fully secured, and the gates will only be opened for dumping at designated times.”
The bonfire – located beside Epworth Methodist Church – will not be allowed to burn into Sunday morning this year, with organisers stressing they are keen to show consideration for those living and worshipping nearby.
“As we are located beside a church, the fire will not continue into Sunday morning out of respect for the church, its congregation, and local residents,” the statement continued.
Following internal discussions, the committee has also taken the decision to reduce the size of this year’s structure.
“Following discussions with our members, we have decided to reduce the size of the bonfire this year. This decision has been made with the safety of local residents in mind and to help support the emergency services, as there will be three major fires taking place on the same night.”
Organisers say their “main priority is ensuring everyone stays safe” and that they would rather “act responsibly and regulate ourselves than have restrictions placed upon us in the future”.
The committee thanked the community for its “understanding and continued support” as the new measures are put in place ahead of July 10.
