Drivers complained they were forced to queue for hours to leave a fireworks display in Abingdon.

Abingdon Bonfire & Fireworks at Dalton Barracks airfield is labelled "the UK's biggest display" by organisers Xplosive Events.

But people who attended on Saturday night have complained they were held up as they tried to leave the site.

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Last year more than 12,000 people showed enjoyed beer, burgers, fairground rides, bungee jumping and the fireworks display.

But this year one anonymous driver complained she was stuck on site for three hours after the fireworks display finished.

She said at the time: "Three hours after the fireworks have finished and we still have not made it out of the car park. Still anticipating another hour to get out.

"Event staff say there is no emergency exit which I'm sure is a legal requirement.

"Really lovely evening until the end. I am sure others can agree that three-plus hours to get out of a car park is ridiculous." 

Parking was free on site - the bonfire started at 7pm, and the main display at 8pm.

Drivers were advised by organisers to arrive at least two hours before the main display.

The website added: Visitors expecting to turn up right before the fireworks will cause chaos and likely miss the display."

Another visitor to the fireworks, who asked not to be named, said: "It was absolute mayhem trying to leave the airbase.

(Image: Oxford Mail) "There were no stewards providing directions - we were all left to fend for ourselves.

"It's as if the event runners got their money and didn't care about the customers as soon as the fireworks were over.

"I would never return because of this and it's a shame because the fireworks were fantastic.

"I heard it was a struggle to leave, but but never imagined we would be stuck for over two hours."

One visitor gave up after queuing on the way into the event.

The driver added: "Never be tempted to go to Abingdon fireworks.

"We gave up after a couple of hours in a traffic jam of cars trying to get in - with a huge queue of traffic ahead of us.

"Surely event organisers should limit tickets to fit in the capacity of the roads around the event?"

(Image: Oxford Mail) Last year the fireworks display was staged in August and combined with a hot air balloon festival.

There were also complaints about delays in 2021 when hundreds of families were left waiting in hours of queues.

Those who went along to the event that year said there were not enough toilets, the fireworks didn’t start on time, and the event was well beyond capacity.

Xplosive Events said the problems in 2021 were partly down to "film sets on site" closing two of the entrances. 

The company has been asked to comment on delays at this year's event.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.