Parking chaos at Hereford fireworks display

I watched people flock to the livestock market, in Roman Road, for the Hereford Round Table's bonfire night event on Saturday (November 5).

As I approached the roundabout next to Beefeater and beyond, I saw traffic backed up towards the centre and over the other side of Roman Road.

Cars were gridlocked round the roundabout itself.

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People parked along the side of Roman Road and by the roundabout to Credenhill (Image: Hattie Young)

I decided to take the long way round up Kings Acre, which was quiet, with only a few other cars doing the same.

But as I approached the roundabout, that takes you on to Credenhill, I was met by more chaos.

People were parked along the verges of the major road and along the side of the road out of each exit.

Others parked by the houses next to Stretton Sugwas primary school.

People parked on the side of Roman Road and beyond

To get into the event I was met by another queue. Those with prebooked tickets went into a separate line.

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I managed to get in, but Hereford Round Table later said, they were very aware that after queuing in traffic for a long time, some families were unable to get in despite pre-booking tickets.

Queues for the food and drink stalls, including Beefy Boys and Divine Donuts, stretched out into the field.

Hundreds of people watched the fireworks at the Hereford Livestock Market

It took 30 minutes to place an order on a stall that was selling crepes, candy floss, and popcorn. A Nutella crepe was then £5, but I'm not sure if that is normal or not in this cost-of-living crisis.

Screams and laughter came from the fairground ride, that seemed a popular spot of entertainment.

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The fireworks gripped people's attention as they shot up into the sky in different bright colours and shimmers.

A fairground ride proved popular

"Oohs" and "wows" were heard amongst the crowd.

Some customers watched the fireworks as they waited for the toilet, with only four on site.

Organisers had postponed them for half an hour to make sure those still queuing could see them.

Sunshine Radio was also at the event playing music and presenting, which people appeared to enjoy.

Punters queued for the four toilets on site

As soon as the fireworks finished everyone moved, in what seemed like a stampede, towards the small exit to leave, where the radio bus was parked.

Hereford Round Table thanked attendees for their support at the event which raised much-needed funds for local causes.

Hereford Round Table fireworks

But, they said, they are very aware that after queuing in traffic for a long time, some families were unable to get in despite pre-booking tickets.

"However, poor weather prior to the event left parking areas a little trickier to get into, and temporary traffic lights on Roman Road caused traffic to back up into Hereford. The issue was made worse with unprecedented numbers arriving without tickets. Many, many more than any previous years," said the spokesperson.