Winchester’s bonfire and torchlight procession cancelled due to pandemic

Winchester will not host the traditional bonfire and torchlight procession this November due to the national lockdown.

The 61-year-old tradition has come to a halt this year as Covid-19 infection rates continue to rise across the country.

The usual celebrations have not been put to a stop completely however as organisers Winchester Round Table announce a new event – Light Up Winchester.

On Saturday, the 7th of November at 7pm, Winchester residents were invited to raise any light in the air as firework displays were set off from three secret and private locations across Winchester.

At the same time as this, three drones will fly across the city, capturing the fireworks and lights street by street. From 6pm, residents will be able to access this drone footage on an online feed.

Organisers, Winchester Round Table, said : “We’re bringing the people of Winchester together this November and creating a fundraising event that will go off with a bang. All profits from our events go to those in need in the city area, and post Covid-19 there are even more people in need of our support.”

“Without our usual firework display, we need to find innovative ways of raising money for our community fund. So for one year only, welcome to Light Up Winchester.”

With Light Up Winchester being a non-profit event, residents are invited to support Winchester Round table through either a donation or the purchase of a bonfire torch online in place of the usual cost of a ticket.