What happened at the Abingdon Bonfire and Fireworks event?

The Abingdon Bonfire and Fireworks event, organized by Xplosive Events, was plagued by severe traffic congestion, with attendees reporting queues of up to 4 hours to enter and exit the venue.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Organizers "Devastated" After Abingdon Fireworks Display Marred by Traffic Chaos

Organizers "Devastated" After Abingdon Fireworks Display Marred by Traffic Chaos

Q: How did the organizers respond to the issues?

The organizers of the Abingdon Bonfire and Fireworks event said they were "truly heartbroken" and "truly sorry" about the problems, and that they would "carefully consider" the future of the event.

Q: What did attendees think of the event?

Many attendees were disappointed, with one saying the "four hours of queues for a half hour of display" was not the "amazing night promised." However, some posted that they had "an amazing time" at the event.

17 Nov

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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

Organizers "Devastated" After Abingdon Fireworks Display Marred by Traffic Chaos

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."

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