Kent's Edenbridge Bonfire Society Announces 2023 Celebrity Guy
Public votes for Giant effigy of Sadiq Khan to take centre stage at famous Kent bonfire night
Edenbridge Bonfire Society has been poking fun at infamous celebrities for over 25 years.
Following on from the 2022 effigy of Liz Truss and due to unprecedented demand, London Mayor Sadiq Khan finds himself in the spotlight for the 2023 event as a result of his unpopular decision to extend ULEZ and bring it to the doorstep of the residents and businesses of Edenbridge.
The 11-metre effigy of Khan, in the form of an ULEZ camera, was unveiled today before it is moved to become the centre piece at the Kent town’s annual bonfire celebrations which raises thousands of pounds for local charities on Saturday 4th November, alongside a giant effigy of Guy Fawkes.
Andrea Deans, who created the giant effigy on behalf of Edenbridge Bonfire Society, commented: “As a society we had hoped to move away from political figures this year but it was the public who had their say on who we should do. Mr Khan received more than 52% of the public vote and it was due to his decision to extend ULEZ close to the borders of our town that we felt we had to go along with the majority vote.
“Other contenders for our 2023 event included Suella Braverman, Russell Brand, Phillip Schofield and even Harry & Meghan.’’
Past targets for Edenbridge Bonfire Society’s celebrity effigy have been a real mixture of public figures, including Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, Harvey Weinstein, Donald Trump, Katie Hopkins, Russell Brand, Jonathan Ross, Katie Price, Lance Armstrong and Anne Robinson.
Edenbridge Bonfire Society Chairman, Bill Cummings, said “This year we have chosen Sadiq Khan whose decision to extend the Ultra Low Emission Zone has affected many people living and working in our town. Unlike those living inside the new extended zone, there is no support for people who live outside it but whose livelihoods and commitments have been greatly affected by this decision. Sadiq Khan may not be as well-known as other celebrity guys we have had in the past but I am sure there will be many people in towns such as ours celebrating our choice.”
The burning of effigies is a traditional celebration of the 5th November. The intention behind the tradition is to bring a light-hearted twist and an element of fun to the proceeding and to raise awareness of this event – which raises thousands of pounds for local charities and community organisations.
EdenbridgeBonfire Society only started to feature giant effigies at their event since the mid-nineties when they were no longer able to light a huge bonfire in the local recreation ground.
Edenbridge Bonfire Society has been celebrating Bonfire Night for over 95 years and this year will see around 550 people participating in the torchlit parade through Edenbridge High Street.
For more information www.edenbridgebonfire.co.uk
