TRURO City Council has taken the “difficult” decision to cancel its 2025 bonfire and firework display, following concerns raised about traffic congestion during last year’s event and the increasing need to consider how to keep pedestrians and vehicles separate.

Town clerk David Rodda said: “We understand this will be disappointing news for many residents and visitors to Truro, but our ability to organise an event of this scale so it is safe and enjoyable for all involved must remain Truro City Council’s highest priority.” This decision was taken just weeks after an announcement that the bonfire would be moved to the bigger Truro Cattle Market site on Newquay Road, and take place on Thursday, November 6, to avoid the traffic gridlock caused by holding it at Tremorvah playing field on Bodmin Road.

However, that suggestion was not popular with all city councillors, some of whom were concerned about safe pedestrian access to the cattle market due to the amount of traffic on Newquay Road.

In a statement released on social media, Truro City Council explained the decision was made after undertaking a thorough review of event arrangements and up-to-date guidance on staging public events. This review included the possibility of holding the event at an alternative venue.

However, “it has not been possible to locate a suitable alternative venue safely without incurring significant additional costs. As a predominantly charitable event, any additional costs would reduce the donations made to the charities who help to run the event.”

The statement continued: “Truro City Council is not alone in making this decision about its firework display, as other events in the local area have also been cancelled, which in the view of the council would only have increased the number of people seeking to attend the Truro display to levels beyond what could be safely accommodated with our own staff and the volunteers who help to stage the event.”

Alternative options are being explored for 2026 “to support the return of the event in the future”.