Broadstairs Guy Fawkes fireworks night cancelled after town council removes funding
Published: 10:00, 30 June 2016
Hopes of a November firework display have been extinguished in Broadstairs this year after the show is cancelled.
The show, which was due to be held in Viking Bay, has been cancelled after the town council removed funding.
They say that due to increasing costs, stringent health and safety requirements and the fact the fireworks would not take place on the actual date they have taken a decision not to fund it.
A message posted on Broadstairs Fireworks Event page read: “It is with much regret we have to announce the cancellation of the firework event planned for November 4.
“The funding for our events comes from various sources including grants from Broadstairs Town Council.
“They have informed us that the November event was awarded the grant on the understanding the fireworks would take place on November 5.
The team behind the displays said that their contractor had told them they were unable to provide a show on November 5 due to other longstanding bookings falling that weekend.
The group added: “We also felt that as Quex Park and other displays would be held on the fifth.
“The best thing we could do was hold the event one day early on November 4 to give people the chance to attend more than one display.
“The council discussed our case but sadly decided the grant would only be award if the event was held on Saturday, November 5.
“Without the grant we are unable to meet the cost of the event and have no choice but to cancel.”
Town mayor Cllr Peter Shaw said: "We have always financially supported the organisation of firework displays at Viking Bay, considering this to be a good use of public funds, providing a valuable attraction for both residents and visitors, particularly during the summer months.
"In the past few years, stringent health and safety requirements and increased costs have obliged the council and the organisers to reduce the overall number of events each year, whilst maintaining those that provide the most benefit to the town.
"There is always extra risk of cancellation in winter due to weather conditions.
"However this year the Town Council was also belatedly informed that the November 5 firework display could not take place on the actual date.
"The town council considered the proposed alternative date and took the decision that on this occasion it would not be the best use of scarce public resources."
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Connor Dunn