THE much-loved Himley Bonfire and a host of other popular events due to take place at Himley Hall have now been cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.

Himley Bonfire and Fireworks display which was due to take place on November 7 has fallen casualty to the COVID-19 pandemic along with The Country Fair and Vintage Transport Show (due to be held on May 31), the Under 5’s Day (which was set to take place on June 26), Armed Forces Day (scheduled for June 28) and the Black Country Musicom Festival (which was set for July 12).

Council bosses say it was a difficult decision to cancel all events scheduled to take place at Himley Hall over the summer and for the rest of the year but people’s safety must come first.

Councillor Ian Kettle, Dudley's cabinet member responsible for Halls said: "It’s with a very heavy heart that we have had to cancel these events. We know by the thousands of people who come to them, that the public look forward to our events all year round.

"However, we have to make sure we put people’s safety first and it is simply not possible to do that if these events take place.

"We’re keeping a very close eye on the latest advice from the government and look forward to a day when we can welcome people back to these popular events."

Council chiefs say they are considering alternative options for some events such as Himley Bonfire, including the potential to put dates back but that would depend on latest government advice on people’s safety and social distancing.