Woke fireworks display organisers replace bonfire with big-screen TV showing a blaze to ‘save the environment’

WOKE firework display organisers have axed the bonfire at a Guy Fawkes bash — and replaced it with a giant telly showing a blaze.

Sparklers are also banned at the event, with adverts claiming the changes will be better for the environment.

But there will at least still be fireworks to brighten the night.

It will be the first time the traditional festivities have taken place without a real fire at Dulwich Sports Club in the wealthy and wokest corner of South East London.

Up to 7,000 people usually go to the display run by the private club.

An advert for the display reads: “This year the event is ‘Going Green’ with an eco-friendly virtual Bonfire on the Big Screen.

“Strictly no sparklers, these will not be allowed on to the site.”

Adult tickets are being sold for £10 while kids go for a quid and there is parking on site for those going by car.

Locals have dubbed the would-be spectacle “joyless” — and accused organisers of holding a “pointless evening”.

Mum Masie Bennett said: “Aside from last year because of Covid, the bonfire on fireworks night is usually a yearly event for me and the kids.

I just don’t understand the point in pulling the bonfire but carrying on with fireworks — and allowing everyone to drive to the event by hosting parking too. That’s hardly being green.

“A fake bonfire is pretty joyless. If we’re just going to watch a flame on a television screen then it’s a bit rubbish and we may as well do that at home.”

It is thought the virtual bonfire will be the first in Britain — despite the country taking great pride in November 5 celebrations.

A rival fireworks display is normally held around the same time by Southwark council.

Dulwich Labour councillor Richard Leeming said: “The idea sounds interesting and I hope everyone in attendance has a fun evening.

“Dulwich is home to innovation so it doesn’t surprise me that this will be a first.”

EXTINGUISH REBELLION

But one leader of a bonfire society in Lewes, East Sussex — home of the country’s most famous bonfire celebrations — blasted: “We’re going to have to make Dulwich our next effigy for trying to turn the evening into a bore fest.”

Dulwich is known for its trendy, cosmopolitan and right-on residents.

The villagey atmosphere is popular with left-leaning environmentalists and university students.

Critics claim bonfires are bad for the environment as they release toxic fumes into the atmosphere.

Susie Giles, secretary of Dulwich Sports Club, said: “Tickets always sell incredibly well and they are again this year.

“I think people’s focus is on the fireworks which we’ll be holding in full.

“We normally get around six to seven thousand each year and we’re on track for it again.

“People are aware it will be an eco-friendly bonfire this year so it doesn’t seem to have put them off.

“The decision was made by a separate organising committee, but there are some good reasons behind it.”