'Norfolk's biggest bonfire night' upsets Broads villagers

Plans by two parish councillors to host the fireworks event in Rollesby have caused smouldering resentment and fiery opposition among many locals, including on their own council.

Villagers fear the display, Sparks in the Park, will cause stress to animals, including those who live on the farm where it will be held, and leave local lanes unable to cope with the volume of traffic.

An archive photo of a bonfire night event, taking place in Norfolk (Image: Newsquest)

But the couple behind the display, Paul Thain and Judith Long, say the opposition has gone too far, with Mr Thain claiming he has been threatened with "repercussions" if the event goes ahead, while posters advertising the night have been torn down.

The issue has triggered more than a 100 comments on the village's community Facebook page and around 30 members of the public descended on a recent parish council meeting to raise their concerns with the couple.

Paul Thain and Judith Long on the field where they hope to host the Rollesby Fireworks Display. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

However, rather than douse the flames, the meeting served only to fan them.

Although Mr Thain made a statement defending the event, the villagers - who had sat through the two hours of proceedings waiting for their opportunity to speak - were told by the chairman and clerk that the display was a private matter and not to be discussed at all.

The fallout has seen tensions escalate, with locals opposed to the scheme branded "narrow-minded nimbys" by another organiser.

The field where they hope to host the Rollesby Fireworks Display. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

HIGH HOPES

Mr Thain and Ms Long are hosting the display on November 5 on their land at Huggle Farm, also known as Highfield Farm, a site which gives schools, youth groups and individuals with special needs the chance to meet animals.

The event is being held to raise money for Sunbeams, a charity in Great Yarmouth that works with autistic children, as well as a Aylsham Scout group. Tickets cost between £5 and £10. 

It is billed as a family-friendly event, which will use low-noise fireworks for an early display then a traditional display later on the night. 

The couple had originally hoped to run the event in conjunction with the parish council, but a lack of support means they are doing it alone, with a fireworks company called Flash FX, as well as a dedicated events manager to run it.

The centre of the village is a short distance away from Rollesby Broad, which has a thriving sailing club (Image: IWitness24)

Mr Thain said he hoped the event would "put Rollsby on the map" and that it would raise money for a charity close to their hearts.

The couple say that they have measures in place to control the traffic and that the displays will be a safe distance from the animals.

"We will have trained traffic marshalls, proper security, everything needed to meet the requirements of a large event," Ms Long said.

The field where they hope to host the Rollesby fireworks display, looking towards the farm buildings (Image: Sonya Duncan)

BONFIRE BACKLASH

However, the concerns remain and many villagers have made their feelings known to the couple.

"Due to us running a care farm, we have had people say it is disgusting that we are holding the event but the fireworks will be let off 900 yards away from the animals."

There are critics of the event on the same parish council as the couple.

Paul Thain and Judith long, stood on the field where they plan to host the Rollesby fireworks event (Image: Sonya Duncan)

At the recent meeting, Mr Thain said: All we have come up against is resentment. Fellow councillors have issued me with threats if the event takes place."

He also refused to respond to any questions about the event at the meeting, saying it was "for our safety."

Fellow councillor Debbie Handford is among the concerned villagers.

She said: "My main concerns stem purely from a public safety perspective, given that roads surrounding Highfield Farm are single track, unlit routes with no designated passing spaces."

Several villagers have attempted to message Mr Thain and Ms Long and Flash FX to get further answers to their questions.

An event poster for Sparks in the Park, to be held in Rollesby (Image: Sparks in the Park)

One villager, who does not wish to be named, said she had messaged Flash FX on Facebook, raising animal welfare concerns, but was subsequently blocked. 

Further confusion has grown after Ms Long claimed in a Facebook post that Aylsham Scouts would be providing traffic management. 

However, when the group - who are based more than 20 miles away - were contacted by Mrs Handford, she was told they are not involved with the running of the event.

Another villager, who wishes not to be named. added: "We are not necessarily against the fireworks, we just want more answers."

The parish council is also coming under flak for stopping villagers from asking questions at the event.

Jane Stevens, 62, said: "It was disappointing. Where else do you go to get answers if you have concerns about something happening in the village?"

Des Fulcher, of Flash FX, a fireworks company (Image: Newsquest)

But Des Fulcher, of Flash FX, has dismissed the concerns.

"They are making mountains out of molehills," he said, adding: "They are just NIMBYs who do not want it in their backyard.

"This event has an exceptionally well-qualified array of professional people dealing with it. However, a small group of narrow-minded people appear hell-bent on disrupting this charitable event."

The Rollesby village sign next to the playing field (Image: Owen Sennitt)

PLANS PROCEED

Despite the growing unease in Rollesby, the organisers are continuing to proceed with the fireworks display.

They say extra control measures will be in place to ensure it goes off without a hitch.

It will be one of dozens taking place across the county in the coming weeks.

But unlike skies across Norfolk on November 5, villagers remain "still very much in the dark," said Ms Stevens.