A LOCAL council in Wiltshire has apologised to thousands of people after its heavily-promoted bonfire night fireworks display turned into an "absolute disaster".

Bradford on Avon Town Council was forced to issue an apology and pledged an investigation after hundreds of spectators who gathered in Victory Field were unable to see the display because it was blocked by houses and trees.

The council said: “Bradford on Avon Town Council would like to apologise for the firework display tonight.

“The town council is very sorry that so many people, children especially, came out to Victory Field and were disappointed. We will investigate what went wrong.”

The council had apparently promised the fireworks display being let off in the Beehive Field on the Trowbridge Road would be able to be seen from Victory Field and anywhere in the town.

The main event was due to take place from 4pm-8pm in Victory Field and was due to be accompanied by a gift fair.

A post on local social media promised: “There’ll be family fun, lots of food, drink and gift stalls and a chance to stock up on some early Christmas presents.

“Artisan food and drink stalls will be serving mulled cider, G&Ts, wine and hot chocolate, with toasted marshmallows, hearty hot dogs and more.”

But on an evening that was cloudy and with rain earlier in the day, the council decided to cancel the stalls and gift fair because of the waterlogged surface on Victory Field, with one trader saying she had been given only three minutes' notice.

Dozens of spectators who had gathered there were bitterly disappointed and many children were left heartbroken and in tears.

Within minutes, there were more than 90 comments from disappointed onlookers – most of them critical of the council’s event planning.

Aleisha Oliver-Griffiths said: “Disappointed isn’t the word. My kids were absolutely devastated. What an absolute disaster! Thanks for a wasted evening looking at houses and trees!”

Miche Rose said: “Anyone who is local knew this wouldn’t work. I could never understand the rationale for this decision.

“No investigation needed. Someone or multiple people need to hold their hands up and own making a big mistake.

“Also today’s decision of stopping vendors into the field but allow that many people to walk and stand in a wet field – either protect the field or don’t.

“A lot of upset people from town council making awful decisions – this could have been so amazing for all if it was organised better. Instead, it was great for some and awful for many.”

Julian Derrick said: “How on earth did they think you could see the display from the Beehive Field to the Victory Field?

“If brains were made of leather, they wouldn’t have enough to saddle a flea. I feel sorry for all those who attended and were let down.”

Louise Barnes said: “What a terrible display! We could only see over the tops of trees and through houses from the Victory Field.

“What a shame as no one in the field could see properly and there was so many eager families and children there too! Why didn’t someone check that the trees and houses would obscure the view?”

Traditionally, in past years, the event has always been held at the Beehive Field but the land there is privately owned unlike the Victory Field.

Looking on the bright side, a few people living near Poulton Field, which is closer to the Beehive Field, said they had seen a “good display”.

And Emma Bronson said: “We had a great view from Staverton.”