Changes made to Oxford's biggest fireworks display successfully protected the city's South Park, according to the organisers.

Last year, the display left the park at the bottom of Headington Hill a badly rutted 'mud bath' and residents and Friends of South Park complained about the damage.

This year the city council, which manages the park, insisted measures were in place to limit damage to the turf.

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There were strict controls on vehicle access to ensure only essential event and emergency vehicles were permitted to enter.

And in a huge break with tradition the bonfire on Saturday was cancelled, further reducing the potential for ground damage. 

The precautions appear to have worked, and organisers are celebrating an event which "exceeded everyone's expectations" and raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

There was also a fun fair and food stalls.

Josh Worsfold, chairman of Oxford Round Table, said: "What an incredible display.

"Oxford needs events like this and after last year I'm so proud of the volunteers for not giving up and making sure this event exceeded everyone's expectations."

Event director Joseph Garbett said: "Even without the bonfire, the community came out in their tens of thousands and witnessed the biggest display this city has ever seen.

"The love, support and feedback we've seen has been phenomenal."

When asked about this year's display compared to last year's, Mr Garbett added: "Last year was wet and the park suffered.

"The huge changes we made for this year meant that whatever the weather, the damage to the park would be minimal.

(Image: Ed Nix) "The good weather pre-event meant we probably didn't need to make such sweeping changes but at the same time it means we're ready for whatever is thrown our way next year and into the future."

 The event has raised more than £1m for charity since it started about 56 years ago.

More than 20,000 people gathered to watch the fireworks display on November 2 last year and the event raised around £50,000 for local charities.

But the damage to the park led to an outcry from residents and prompted talks between the organisers and the council.

Dr Daniel Emlyn-Jones, a member of Friends of South Park, said he was relieved there had been no repetition of last year's damage.

He added: "The Round Table listened and they did try to protect the ground - they didn't have a bonfire, which is good. We recognise that the event does raise money for local charities.

(Image: Ed Nix) "But perhaps in the long-term they should look for a different location to stage this event, and might consider silent fireworks or a laser show instead.

"Blowing things up because there was a religious plot a few hundred years ago does seem a bit daft."

The city council has been asked for comment.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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