Hundreds stranded in 'swamp' at fireworks event as storms turn fields into mud

05 November 2023 , 11:21

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Rescuers had to step in to save hundreds of stranded cars last night (Image: Leicestershire & Rutland 4x4 Response)

Hundreds of people were left stuck in their cars after fields were turned into muddy "swamps" at a fireworks event.

Visitors hoping to enjoy the firework display at Cattows Farm, near Ibstock yesterday, were instead left stranded after weather turned the field they parked in, into a mud bath. Some took to social media, calling the event a "shambles" as they were left stranded in muddy makeshift car parks.

Volunteers from the Leicestershire and Rutland 4x4 Response charity had to step in at the AfterDark event, despite initial concerns about traffic and previous commitments. Their colleagues from the Derbyshire 4x4 Response were overwhelmed due to the worsening ground conditions.

The charity posted on social media at 9:35pm, estimating that 300 cars were still stuck two hours after first responders arrived. They said the ground conditions were "so bad that even our responders are struggling to access parts of the fields," LeicestershireLive reported.

One of the hundreds of vehicles trapped in the muddy car park (Leicestershire & Rutland 4x4 Response)

The situation was finally resolved around 11pm, with 10 4x4's from the charity working tirelessly to free trapped vehicles. Leicestershire and Rutland Response posted on Facebook : "Our team has responded to an ongoing situation where members of the public found themselves stranded in off-road field parking at a third party event at Cattows Farm near Ibstock following a fireworks event which has now been resolved as of 22:50.

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"The charity, a group of volunteers with their own 4x4 vehicles, declined to participate, citing previous commitments and concerns regarding traffic egress on the surrounding roads, which complicated parking for winter events in past years. The events company renting out Cattows Farm contacted the group again on Thursday, but once more, the answer was that we were not available.

"Subsequently, the events company reached out to Derbyshire 4x4 Response. After the group coordinated with our team (in Leicestershire), they agreed to provide some responders to cover during the day. Regrettably, ground conditions deteriorated throughout the day despite efforts to establish firmer roads on-site overwhelming the responders there from Derbyshire ."

"As the situation escalated dramatically tonight, the events company organising the fireworks event once again requested direct assistance from us to provide further specialist 4x4 support supporting Derbyshire response to extract trapped families and their cars from the car parks. Our initial responders arrived at 19:45, led by our control coordinator, Karl, to formulate a plan and we had multiple responders arriving there till late evening until all the trapped families were safely back on the roads."

Frustrated visitors took to social media to express their anger. One Facebook user said: "This should have been postponed or refunded. The conditions were horrific and extremely dangerous. We went as we paid an awful amount of money and it was the worst experience I've had in a long time. Shame on Cattows Farm who clearly knew the conditions would have been as bad as they were. I hope everyone gets home safely!"

Another added: "This whole event was a shambles. We arrived about 14.45ish and we were directed into the bottom swamp of a carpark. After I had parked I saw the event parking staff had to push 3 cars IN! We decided to leave after the first underwhelming fireworks that were 50mins late. Good job we did, as it took over two hours to get out of the 'carpark'."

Another AfterDark event is set to happen today (Sunday, November, 5) at Cattows Farm. Several firework displays in the county and across the country have already been called off.

Cattows Farm have been approached for comment.

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Ben Carr