Jeremy Clarkson Calls for Support After ‘Brilliant’ Bonfire Night at His Cotswolds Pub

TV presenter and farmer Jeremy Clarkson has urged local authorities to support his newly opened Cotswolds pub after hosting what he described as a “brilliant” Bonfire Night celebration.

The former Top Gear host made the appeal following a successful Guy Fawkes Night event on Wednesday, November 5, held at his pub, The Farmer’s Dog, in Asthall, near Burford.

A Fiery Night to Remember

Clarkson, 65, purchased and renovated the traditional country pub last year for around £1 million, reopening it in August under its new name.

Ahead of the bonfire bash, he promised fans “a proper, old-fashioned night of big flames, live music, and people going ‘ooooh’ and ‘aaaaah’.”

Keeping true to his word, the event featured live bands, fireworks, hot food, and plenty of Hawkstone beer — Clarkson’s own brand.

He joked that the team was building “a bonfire so enormous it will be visible from space — or at least Swindon.”

Tickets were priced at £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for children, with all proceeds supporting local festivities.

Fireworks Set to the Tune of Clarkson’s Farm

Adding a personal twist, Clarkson revealed that the fireworks were choreographed to the theme tune of his hit Prime Video series, Clarkson’s Farm.

“The sky will be filled with bright and brilliant fireworks,” he said before the event, “but to keep things on-brand, they’ll be exploding in time to the Clarkson’s Farm theme.”

Three live bands — Das Gruv, Morgan Spicer, and Down to Georgia — provided the music, and two food stalls, The Farmer’s Puppy and The Farmer’s Dough, kept the crowd well-fed throughout the night.

Local Leaders Praise the Event

Following the fireworks, West Oxfordshire councillor Liam Walker shared photos of the evening on social media, calling it a “brilliant bonfire night.”

He added: “Well done to all the team — the fireworks, music, and bonfire were amazing.”

Clarkson replied directly on X (formerly Twitter):

“It’s a fine local amenity which needs full council support.”

A Complicated Relationship with the Council

Clarkson’s plea comes after a series of tensions with West Oxfordshire District Council, particularly over regulations affecting his Diddly Squat Farm Shop in nearby Chadlington.

In 2023, the council threatened enforcement action over the sale of non-local goods, though it later acknowledged the positive tourism impact of Clarkson’s ventures.

More recently, the Clarkson’s Farm star has praised local authorities for helping with the reopening of The Farmer’s Dog pub.

Walker, who also serves as head of the Oxfordshire Conservatives, responded in agreement:

“All our local pubs should have council support… just need to make sure they don’t impose quiet fireworks next time.”

From Diddly Squat to The Farmer’s Dog

Clarkson bought Diddly Squat Farm in 2008 and began running it himself in 2019 after the previous farmer retired — a move that became the foundation of his hit Prime Video series.

His latest project, The Farmer’s Dog, continues his expansion into rural hospitality. The pub features a large garden and event space, making it a new social hub for locals and fans alike.

With the success of his first Bonfire Night celebration, Clarkson hopes his pub can become a fixture of the Cotswolds community — with a little help from the council.