In a unique twist for this year’s Bonfire Night in Edenbridge, Kent, Ticketmaster has been chosen as the central effigy following the backlash over ticket prices for the upcoming Oasis tour. The effigy, measuring 36 feet, also features puppets of Liam and Noel Gallagher.
Background on the Controversy
The decision to mock Ticketmaster comes in response to complaints from fans regarding dynamic pricing that saw ticket costs for the reunion tour soar unexpectedly. Many fans were frustrated after spending hours in online queues, only to discover that ticket prices had more than doubled, rising from approximately £148 to around £355.
Comments from the Creators
Andrea Deans, one of the effigy’s creators, stated, “We wanted to remind people that politicians aren’t the only targets for our annual event. The Ticketmaster ticket fiasco has impacted many fans of different ages, especially given Oasis’s broad appeal.”
Reece Hook, another creator, clarified that while Liam and Noel are depicted, they are not the focus of the criticism. “We are all big Oasis fans and hope they have a successful tour. Our target is the corporate giant of Ticketmaster.”
Previous Effigies and Community Involvement
The Edenbridge Bonfire Society has been celebrating Bonfire Night for nearly a century, introducing the tradition of burning large effigies in the mid-1990s. This year, the society expects over 500 participants in the torchlit parade through the town’s High Street.
Conclusion
The choice to feature Ticketmaster as the effigy highlights ongoing frustrations with ticket pricing practices while adding a humorous twist to traditional Bonfire Night celebrations.