Fireworks ban at historic fair calls over animal welfare concerns

The fireworks will be returning in November
-Credit: (Image: IlonaIgnatova)


Concerns over animal welfare and public safety have cast a shadow over Glastonbury’s historic Tor Fair, At the Glastonbury Town Council meeting prior to this year’s Tor Fair, held on September 10, several councillors voiced concerns about the impact of the event on local animals and residents.

The primary issues raised were related to the use of fireworks and the fair's location, with many calling for urgent action to address these problems. Councillor Rik Cook highlighted the concerns of Simon Harding, owner of Tor View Farm Barn, where a zoo has recently been established.

"Simon is very concerned because of the fireworks at the end of the fair last year,” Cllr Cook said. “He runs a zoo now; it's becoming an incredible venture, and he's got new babies. I thought there was some point where we were going to discuss not having fireworks down there because of the animals."

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He stressed the broader issue, saying: "Every year, we get so many people complaining about their animals being affected by fireworks, and it's not nice at all to see. I had to dope one of my dogs once, and it was awful."

The councillor proposed exploring alternatives to fireworks, suggesting that the town consider adopting quieter, drone-based light shows instead. "I'd like to propose that we have a debate about this and see what we can do about it," he urged.

Concerns were also raised about the logistical challenges posed by the fair, which resulted in traffic and access issues for residents.

Councillor Paul Manning explained: "The Tor Fair has started, and there were a lot of problems. A lot of the showman's lorries were not on Herbie's Field, and residents of Northload Bridge were trapped. They had to knock on the lorry drivers' windows to wake them up to say they couldn't get out."

The conversation around the fair's location also drew sharp opinions. Councillor Nick Cottle expressed his frustration, stating: "I think the whole Tor Fair is in the wrong place. We should actively be looking for somewhere on hard ground within or just outside the town. Maybe then we could plant Herbie's Fields with trees and make better use of it."

However, Councillor Jon Cousins defended the use of Herbie's Field, saying that it had been purchased with the specific intention of hosting the fair.

"I thought the whole point of purchasing Herbie's Field was to create a permanent place for the Tor Fair, which is the second oldest fair in the country. It really is the right place for it," Cllr Cousins said.

Councillor Lillith Osborn took a pragmatic stance, acknowledging: "If it's not working, it's not working. You've got to admit to it."

Others, like Councillor Terry Napper, jokingly suggested: "If we knocked down Morrisons, we'd have a nice place for the fair."

As Councillor Steve Henderson pointed out, fireworks have only been a recent addition to Tor Fair, and limiting their use could be a simple solution.

“I think it's just a case of those two guys [Harding and the fair’s organisers] talking to each other. If they want fireworks, fair enough, but nothing too loud."

Councillor Mike Smyth reminded the council that they were obliged to use the space as intended at least until 2027, saying, "We have spent £50,000 on it from the Accelerator Town Deal fund."