The renowned Bedale bonfire which is a free event attracting thousands of people will cost £15,500 this year, town councillors were told this week, as they warned donations would be needed to secure the event’s long term future.

People are asked to make donations to the cost, with cash buckets around Bedale Hall park where the bonfire is held and councillors were told card payments could also be made along with a justgiving page.

Councillor John Noone said the funds for this year’s event had already been raised, most of it through collections last year when they had more donations than ever and they hoped this year people would be as generous to help secure future bonfires.

The event on Saturday November 4 starts at 5pm with dramatic fireworks set to music witht the theme ‘music through the decades.’ Mayor councillor Amanda Coates urged the bonfire committee to look at printing cards to give to people who wanted to know how to donate.

She added: “I couldn’t speak after last year because I repeated the same thing so many times, having a card to give out to people would be a big help so they know how they can give money if they don’t have any cash.

“We thought because of the difficulties in the economy people wouldn’t have much money but we got more than usual last year, it was amazing.”

Elsewhere, councillors were told the deer sculpture at the entrance to Bedale, near the bypass, is to be lit up at night through the autumn and winter.

The electric connection had been completed and a donation of £1,000 towards the cost had been given by Bedale and Villages Community Forum. Members had been told previously they had explored trying to instal solar lighting but it had not been feasible.

Work had also been done to provide an electric connection on the bypass roundabout which would mean lights can be installed on a Christmas tree up to 28feet high.

Members were also told the Remembrance Day parade on Sunday November 12 would go ahead with local guides and scouts undergoing specialist training so they could control road closures.

There had been huge concern across the county after North Yorkshire Police announced they would be pulling out of operating road closures and traffic management.

Clerk Nick Reed said: “There will be people from scouts and guides who will be able to implement road closures. Police said they would provide an officer for reassurance, so we are covered for Remembrance Day and it won’t cost the council anything.”