West Park Bonfire will move to Wolverhampton Racecourse

The family favourite has been held in the park for decades but council bosses have now confirmed the relocation to the racecourse, meaning the introduction of £3 car parking charges. It comes just weeks after the council also moved the historic City Show to the track.

Last year, around 14,000 people attended the bonfire, with tickets costing £4.50 for adults – up 50p from 2013 – and £3 for children, with under-twos going free.

This time around, adult tickets have again gone up 50p to £5, while the children and under-two rates have been frozen.

Council spokesman Tim Clark said: "The racecourse is a fantastic venue to host our spectacular Wolverhampton bonfire.

"It offers amble, secure, well-lit parking meaning visitors can avoid the mad scramble for a space that we've seen at West Park.

"There are stands meaning people have the option to watch the displays undercover if it rains and the main viewing area is hard ground which prevents people getting muddy. There are indoor toilets, a restaurant and a full bar. Disabled access is also much better than West Park."

Former mayor, Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett, said he was pleased the ticket increase was only 50p.

He said: "I don't mind it going to the racecourse. Car parking is fine, as is a 50p increase for adults, as anything more would put people off."

The move to the track will save the cash-strapped council money.

Leisure chief, Councillor Elias Mattu said: "The bonfire will be at Wolverhampton Racecourse this year. Like with the City Show it's just for this year for now and we'll see how it goes. It's much more convenient for parking, which we've had lots of complaints about for years. It's a great venue to be holding these events."

The City Show move was given an almost universal thumbs down when it was announced last month, mostly due to prices going up. Adults will now have to pay an admission fee of £5 and children £4 for the July event, on top of a new £3 parking charge.

Country music festival, Wolvestock, which got the chop last year, is making a comeback incorporated into the City Show.