Late-night firework display so loud it 'sounded like a bomb'

Olivier Vergnault

18 June 2024 at 2:58 am·4-min read

An unexpected fireworks display has left Cornwall residents up in arms as the noise could be heard five miles away. The people of Truro were treated to the grand display on Saturday night at 10.30pm as rockets were fired over the city.

But the display angered many as they were given no warning and the loud bangs could be heard all the way to Probus, taking children and dogs by surprise. Many took to Facebook and posted in the community group Truro...Our City to ask who was behind the disturbance.

Some guessed it was hosted by Truro School, others thought it was the Alverton Hotel. Some thought it was for the King, others assumed it was Trooping the Colour, and some thought it was to celebrate school leavers, but no one was sure. Now, we can confirm the unexpected fireworks display was hosted by Truro School, on behalf of the Alverton Hotel, to celebrate a wedding.

Nicky Gaunt posted: "It was beautiful and it was Truro School." Samantha Jane Blanks added: "Truro school leavers. Proms are happening now. Good for them celebrating in style." Others thought it was coming from the Tremorvah playing fields near Archbishop Benson Primary School where some of the Bonfire Night events take place.

Charlotte Louise Taylor commented: "Pretty sure they were from the park opposite Archbishop Benson school. Probably for Trooping the colour. I thought it was a bad storm coming in as they were rumbling through the house like thunder. But then saw the huge display. Sometimes they do fireworks for weddings at Alverton manor on a Saturday which is the same area the fireworks were in. But this was a big display so probably for the King."

Stephen Parsons enjoyed the display, adding: "What a great treat to see lovely fireworks." Others thought it had been fired from a private house on the opposite side of the road from the Trelander estate.

Despite the confusion about what the display was about and where it was fired from, some residents said it would have been appreciated to be warned in advance. Lexi Reynolds said: "I really don’t think fireworks should be allowed on nights other than firework night/new year. It’s not fair for people/ animals when it’s not expected or prepared for."

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Pete Skinner agreed: "I've no problem with fireworks, but why can't the people responsible warn people if only through social media. At least then people with pets, animals and small children can be prepared."

Jane Wells added: "My dog freaked out. It was so loud it sounded like a bomb. I am not happy. My girl was in bits." Nikki Bull agreed: "It would have been nice for them to at least put on social media they were having them. Probably not alone on this but I have to give my dog calming tablets on bonfire and new year. There was no warning and my dog was very distressed. People take their cats in on New Year and Bonfire night. I imagine there were a lot of distressed cats on Saturday night."

Having spoken to both the Alverton Hotel and Truro School, we can now confirm that both were involved with the display. A spokesperson for Truro School said it had been fired on behalf of a wedding party staying at the hotel, adding: "We can confirm that they were released from the school grounds but were not in support of a school event.

"We seek where we can to support community events and in this instance offered access to our site for a brief firework display to be set off to support a local wedding celebration at a nearby hotel.

"For any adverse impact from this we sincerely apologise. We welcome feedback regarding any initiative we engage with to support local community life."

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