Reason major North Wales fireworks display has been cancelled and may never be the same again
A popular fireworks display has been cancelled for a second year running. The display at Deeside Leisure Centre, Queensferry, Flintshire is one of the biggest in North Wales but it has run just once since the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020.
Deeside Round Table blamed a lack of “manpower” for this year’s cancellation, saying this posed a safety risk to spectators. Safety concerns were also cited as the reason for the 2023 display being axed.
In an online statement, the charity said the decision to cancel again had been taken with “great disappointment”. It pledged to continue battling to resurrect the display in 2025 by "going back to the drawing board".
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A spokesperson said: “We have worked tirelessly to get this beloved event back on the calendar, working closely with Flintshire County Council, Aura, North Wales Police and North Wales Fire & Rescue Service. Sadly we are unable to provide the necessary manpower to host the event, provide adequate crowd control and also run the event safely.
“This combined with the amount of additional equipment, security personnel and other factors would have made the tickets too expensive for what we always have run as a community event. We remain committed to bringing this long-standing community event back in 2025 and will be going back to the drawing board to explore every option for next year.”
The news was greeted with a mix of disappointment and incredulity. On social media, one woman said it would encourage unofficial displays and more noise disturbance. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
She said: “Honestly don’t understand how it (the display) happened for years and years and then all of a sudden it stopped and can’t be started again. I would much rather pay to go to an organised event than have the general public setting off fireworks for two weeks in their back gardens or on the streets being absolute morons.
Drone flies through exploding fireworks
“Personally I believe they should not be sold to the general public at all. They should also be as quiet as possible: we all like the colours but not necessarily the noise. “
Deeside’s ticketed fireworks display raises thousands of pounds for local good causes. Following its cancellation, Deeside Round Table was happy to recommend alternatives.
“For those looking to enjoy fireworks displays in the area this year, we highly recommend the events on Buckley Common and in Flint, which is organised by the RNLI. Thank you to the Deeside community for your understanding and ongoing support.”
In August, a beer festival arranged by Deeside Round Table raised £11,000. The charity is now busy organising its popular Santa float processions for the run-up to Christmas. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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