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What a night! Thousands enjoy free Hoe event
6th November 2023
Bonfire Night well and truly went off with a bang with thousands of people packing the Hoe for a great – and free – night out.
Over 20,000 people turned out on a dry but chilly Sunday evening and the massive Bonfire lit well, despite the rain from the night before.
The fireworks went off without a hitch after a short delay while the team assessed the changing wind condition and everyone went home happy after an awesome free event.
For some, the work started in earnest once the crowds had thinned.
Our Street Services were on site during the event and stayed long afterwards to clear the Hoe and the roads around it of rubbish. They worked until midnight and another team was out at 6:30 this morning to tackle any leftover mess in the day light.
Last night there were four litter pickers and a refuse truck on patrol while this morning it was the turn of the mechanical sweepers to finish the job. Altogether 1.44 tonnes of litter were taken away – that’s about the weight of a large walrus!
Bonfire Night was set to be removed from the events calendar as part of last year’s budget savings unless a sponsor was found.
Plymouth Waterfront Partnership stepped in and helped save the night which returned as a one-off, as part of the Council’s effort to support residents through the Cost of Living crisis, and the ‘fun for free’ strand of its Cost of Living Action Plan.
Deputy Leader of the Council Jemima Laing, and Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, Culture, Events and Communications, said: “It was great that so many people came out to enjoy themselves with their families on a chilly November night, it was heartening to see. We know how much this event means to people which is why it was a priority of this administration to find a way to make sure it happened.
“I’d like to thank PWP for supporting us and I sincerely hope that their businesses all along the waterfront area benefitted from the night.”
Jon Walton, Chief Executive of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership said: “The initial feedback from the businesses is very positive. The Hoe was packed – and the event’s geographical location meant that all it was good for all our businesses right the way along the Hoe.
He added: “The Barbican was buzzing and the event put a smile on people’s faces.”
