Vandal Attack Fails to Prevent Ripley’s Traditional Firework Event

Published on: 22 Oct, 2025
Updated on: 22 Oct, 2025

The remains of Ripley’s bonfire after the arson attack

By Martin Giles

Vandals set light to Ripley’s bonfire in the early hours of Tuesday morning just days before the village’s planned fireworks celebration. The prepared bonfire stack represented four weeks of effort.

Nearby villagers noticed the fire at 1am and heard a number of people, presumed to be the culprits, running off in the Pyrford direction. Surrey Police are investigating.

Surrey Fire & Rescue Service were called out, arriving with a single pump within ten minutes, and spent about two hours dousing the fire. But in the morning it was realised that the remains of the bonfire were too damp to be used and would have to be removed.

Steve Hill, chair of the Ripley Bonfire Association, said: “The community reaction has been absolutely unbelievable. They have all rallied round and a skip contractor came forward yesterday so we can remove the damp ashes and debris.

“Because of the community effort we already have enough materials to rebuild the fire.”

The bonfire event is still planned to take place on Saturday, October 25. Although it is a free event, which previously has attracted a crowd of up to 10,000 people, voluntary contributions are requested.

Last year £8,600  was raised for local charities including: Woking Hospice, Surrey Air Ambulance, Blood Runners, Surrey Search Volunteers and Ripley Village over 60s.

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