A major Oxford charity fireworks event may go ahead - but without a bonfire - after the Round Table applied to host it in November.

Last year’s event resulted in damage to South Park due to adverse weather and vehicle movements on the grass.

Remedial works on the area have recently been completed by ODS and funded by Round Table.

The event, which has been running for more than 50 years, attracted more than 20,000 people in 2023, and raises tens of thousands of pounds for a range of local groups and charities each year.

The application to Oxford City Council will now go through the formal consultation process with park stakeholders Friends of South Park and Oxford Preservation Trust.

Oxford City Council officers met with these groups last month to discuss how lessons learned from last year’s event should be taken on board.

If the event is to go ahead, it was felt that significant measures would need to be implemented to mitigate any potential damages to South Park.

Proposed changes to the staging of the event this year include a clear cancellation protocol in the event of adverse weather; restrictions on vehicle movements by limiting the access and egress; the use of a temporary roadway for heavy vehicles; a scaled down fair and no bonfire.

Josh Worsfold, chairman of Oxford Round Table, said: “Our volunteers have worked hard to make sure all the feedback from last year’s event was heard, and acted upon.

“We couldn't let this staple event of the Oxford calendar disappear.

“We're pleased our new event plan protects both the fabric of the park, and the event itself, ensuring charities and groups across the county can apply for much needed funding.”

Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, cabinet member for business, culture and inclusive economy at Oxford City Council, said: "The annual Round Table fireworks display in South Park is an Oxford tradition that brings pleasure to thousands of people every year.

"I very much want to see this year’s event go ahead, but it is essential we don’t see any repeat of the damage done to South Park last year.

"The council will be reviewing the application carefully to make sure all the necessary precautions are in place to protect the park.” 

Oxford city councillors answered questions from members of the public and fellow political representatives about the fireworks event at a full council meeting in July. 

At the time, there were discussions around cancelling the biggest fireworks event in Oxford if leaders decided it could damage the park.