THE building of the huge Himley Hall and Park Bonfire has got underway ahead of the popular family event next month.

Made up of around 1,200 pallets, the bonfire is reliant on donations from local businesses - with more pallets urgently needed ahead of the event on Saturday November 6.

Run in association with Jewson, this year's event promises to dazzle with a circus-themed fireworks display to accompany the bonfire.

A night market, street entertainers, seasonal refreshments, circus performers and a huge funfair will also be in the park.

Councillor Shaun Keasey, Dudley's cabinet member for digital, customer and commercial services, said: "Once again local businesses are being very generous in providing us with lots of pallets for our huge bonfire and we’re very excited to be building it for our special event.

"When built, our bonfire will stand at 4.5 metres and weigh around 15 tonnes. If every pallet was stood end to end it would be the length of 240 laps around a running track.

"We are expecting a huge turnout this year and we’re encouraging everyone to book their tickets now."

Dudley Council, which runs Himley Hall and the annual bonfire event, said wildlife checks are made throughout the building of the bonfire and will again be undertaken before it is lit during the event.

Limited tickets for the premium viewing area are still available online, on a first come-first served basis. The area will be located next to the hall on the south lawns and has an elevated view of the park and lake and will include additional entertainment.

Food and drink vendors selling alcoholic beverages will only be available in this area.

Standard tickets will include access to the night market, funfair and main park area, but alcohol will not be on sale in this area.

Businesses able to deliver wooden pallets to Himley Hall and Park are asked to call 01384 817834. Deliveries will be accepted next week from Tuesday until Friday.

To buy tickets online go to himleyhallandpark.co.uk