ORGANISERS of one of Nottingham's biggest firework displays have vowed this year's event will still go ahead after arsonists destroyed their bonfire.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at Nottingham Moderns Rugby Club in Wilford Village just after 7.30pm on Saturday.

Volunteers had spent more than three weeks constructing a bonfire "higher than a house" in preparation for the annual charity event organised by Trent Bridge Rotary Club, being staged on Saturday, November 7.

Roger Steel, the club's bonfire committee event chairman, said he discovered the blaze after receiving a telephone call from a nearby resident.

"The firefighters did a fantastic job in quelling it down," he said.

"It was senseless. We will build another bonfire but we might not get one as big as it would have been."

Mr Steel said he was baffled over how arsonists got to the bonfire as security fencing surrounding it had not been tampered with.

A spokeswoman for Notts Fire & Rescue Service said: "One fire crew from West Bridgford attended the scene and used a light portable pump to pump water from the River Trent on to the fire. They arrived at 7.33pm and left just before 9pm."

The annual bonfire, barbecue and fireworks event in Wilford Village attracts thousands of people every year.

Last year's event had an Olympic Heroes Theme, with Mansfield swimming gold medalist Rebecca Tomlinson among the 5,000 plus crowd.

This year's bonfire will be accompanied by a giant firework display to the music of Michael Jackson and a hog roast. Heart 106 breakfast show host Sam Pinkham will be on stage, while other attractions include a mini-fair for children and adults, a beer tent and the licensed rugby clubhouse bar.

Due to the lack of parking in Wilford Village, there is a new car parking site accessed from Wilford Lane. Further parking will be available on Victoria Embankment, with access to the event via Wilford Toll Bridge. Organisers are advising people to arrive early.

Funds from this year's event will be donated to Headway, the brain injury association which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and Help for Heroes, which offers support for injured British military personnel.

The gates and barbecue open at 5.30pm with the bonfire due to be lit at 6pm.

Advance discount tickets are available via www.wilfordbonfire.co.uk or visitors can pay at the gate on the night.

guy.woodford@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk