Viking longboat to go up in flames at Barney's bonfire

BURNING AMBITION:
Martin Bacon with the longboat                

 

BARNARD Castle’s bonfire night is to undergo a major overhaul, with its largest wooden structure yet going up in flames.
A 30ft long and 20ft high Viking boat will be the highlight of this year’s event which is taking on a new format at a new venue.
Organised by the Barnard Castle Meet committee, the celebration has been held at Green Lane Primary School for the past two years.
In past years, a huge model First World War tank and a replica of Hogwarts Express have been torched ahead of massive fireworks displays.
In a complete rejig, this year sees the extravaganza move to Shaw Bank, where the evening will culminate in the burning of the longboat in a dramatic theatrical display.
The vessel is being built by pyrotechnician Martin Bacon in a shed in Startforth.
Mr Bacon said: “I’ve wanted to do one for a few years.
“We have a lot of pyro that we are going to put in the boat. We shall bring the Viking king out and send him to Valhalla.”
Mr Bacon, who worked on the hugely successful Kynren show, in Bishop Auckland, said music will play a central part in the Barnard Castle display to create mood and drama.
Plans are being drawn up for the Viking longboat to take a tour of Teesdale and surrounding towns to promote the “Bonfire Spectacular”, which takes place on Friday, November 4.
A large crowd is expected because Bishop Auckland has cancelled plans for its fireworks display.