Home / Disasters and Accidents / Organizers "Devastated" After Abingdon Fireworks Display Marred by Traffic Chaos
Organizers "Devastated" After Abingdon Fireworks Display Marred by Traffic Chaos
17 Nov
Summary
- Organizers "truly sorry" for long queues and traffic jams
- Attendees complained of 4-hour waits to enter and exit venue
- Organizers claim "unprecedented investment" in new traffic system
On November 12th, 2025, the organizers of the Abingdon Bonfire and Fireworks event were left "devastated" after attendees faced severe traffic congestion getting to and from the venue. The annual event, organized by Xplosive Events, took place at Abingdon Airfield on the evening of November 11th.
Ticketholders took to social media to complain about queuing for up to 4 hours to enter and exit the event, despite the organizers' claims of an "unprecedented investment" in a new traffic management system. One attendee, BBC journalist Jordan Brooks, said he gave up and tried to escape the queue after crawling for 2 hours from the A34 towards the destination.
In a statement, Xplosive Events said they were "truly heartbroken" and "truly sorry" about the issues, acknowledging the complaints. The company stated that they now need to "take some time as a team to reflect, process, and carefully consider the future of Abingdon Bonfire & Fireworks."
The event had promised a "jaw-dropping" 270° fireworks and laser display, a 60ft bonfire, and an "explosive finale." However, many attendees felt the long waits overshadowed the actual show, with one saying "Four hours of queues for a half hour of display" was not the "amazing night promised."
