National Trust hopeful of reaching resolution to allow Big Night Out to continue at Melford Hall amid concerns for event's future

The National Trust is hopeful a resolution can be found to allow a long-running community fireworks night to continue on its grounds, following a backlash against the decision to block access to the current site.

Long Melford’s Big Night Out – a popular annual charity event for more than half a century – was left uncertain of its future last month, after a licence to host the occasion on parkland at Melford Hall was withdrawn.

The decision, which was also thought to impact other yearly events held on the same land, drew significant opposition locally, with a public protest planned outside the venue’s entrance gates next Thursday.

In response, the National Trust, which owns Melford Hall and leases it to the Hyde Parker family, insisted the decision was made in the hope that alternative arrangements can be agreed with organisers of the affected events.

Leigh Freeman, general manager at Melford Hall, sought to reassure the village community that they are committed to 'keep working with all parties to find a resolution that works for everyone'.

“We would like to clarify that it has never been a proposal or consideration to cancel all community events at Melford Hall,” he said.

“We recently declined a licence for the Big Night Out in its current location on the parkland, due to the impact on ground conditions during the wetter months of the year in an archaeologically sensitive part of the estate.

“However, this was done with the hope that an alternative solution could be found.

“We’ve been in discussion with our tenants, the Hyde Parkers to consider alternative locations, and were pleased that we were able to find another location within the park for the Big Night Out.

“This will hopefully enable the event to go ahead within the grounds, whilst protecting the more sensitive area of the park.

“We have not been told by our tenants or the event organisers of any problems with this new location and will be talking with them some more on this matter.

“We’ve also been in ongoing dialogue to enable all other events, including Taste of Sudbury and the LeeStock Festival, to continue in 2023, which tend to happen in the drier months of the year.

“We value the contribution that all these events make to the wider community.

“Our core purpose as an organisation is to conserve special places such as Melford Hall for the benefit of the nation.

“We will always do our best to support community benefit in any way we can, whilst maintaining the natural environment and the places in our care, that are so integral to our charity’s cause.”