Organisers of the Holybourne Village Fireworks are urging people to come and enjoy the display - and contribute a lovely lantern to their representation of a bonfire.

The Holybourne Village Association has had to scrap plans for a bonfire - part of the event for three decades - after English Heritage warned it could harm an ancient monument.

Chairman Jerry Janes complied with English Heritage’s request in order to stage the fireworks celebration at Holybourne Sports Field on November 2.

But Jerry said: “This event has been held for about 30 years without ever causing any problem and I have no idea why English Heritage are suddenly making such a fuss about it.

“If the bonfire damages the subsoil, then it was damaged annually for the last 30 years and anything that was there has long gone.

“Similarly, that field was ploughed within living memory, and so anything close to the surface has been turned over many hundreds of times by now.

“I can only imagine there is a new and fastidious supervising official, and they have made life very difficult for us.”

Jerry, who said the fireworks provided the association’s only income, added: “We would encourage people to buy tickets and attend the event, if for no other reason to show solidarity with the organisers.

“There is no-one in the village who would wish to see an ancient monument destroyed, but to suggest that something that has taken place for the last 30 years is at this point going to wreak new havoc is simply implausible, I believe.”

Gates open at 6pm, with lanterns at 7pm and fireworks at 7.30pm. No dogs or sparklers are allowed. There will be hot food and a bar.

For tickets, priced £6 adults, £4 children (family £18 or £12), visit The White Hart or the Holybourne Village Shop.