Families will be attending events in and around the city this weekend to mark the King and Parliament being saved from Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder plot.
Erdington councillor Robert Alden in the high street. Credit: Alexander Brock.
Amid the celebrations taking place, Conservative councillors called for a major change this week, saying it’s been several years since the last council-run bonfire in Brum.
They went on to argue that the Labour-run council reintroducing bonfire celebrations would provide a “safe environment” and ensure future generations of Brummies learn about the historical event.
They added the local authority should work with sponsors to fund bonfire night.
Conservative councillor Robert Alden, leader of the opposition, said: “We need to ensure that we don’t lose over 400 years of history being celebrated here in Birmingham.
“That is why we are calling for the council to reintroduce a bonfire night celebration here in Birmingham, which will provide a safe environment for Brummies to enjoy a large-scale bonfire and fireworks display.
“The council could also work with schools, libraries and community centres to ensure other events and information remembering November 5 is shared.”
Fellow Conservative councillor Ewan Mackey added that the party would work with the council to find funding.
“The council should be looking at working with sponsors to be able to provide a cost-effective way of funding bonfire night going forward,” he said.
He continued that this would ensure that “future generations of Brummies learn about the celebration of Bonfire Night and the history behind it”.
“We are keen to work with the council to make this happen,” he added.
Birmingham City Council was contacted for comment about the Conservative councillors’ requests.