Bonfire Night fireworks cancelled over noise and environmental issues
A west London council has cancelled Bonfire Night fireworks in a bid to please neighbours and help the environment.
Hammersmith and Fulham council has revealed it will not host a fireworks display this year as plans are under way for a laser show to take its place in 2023.
The local authority’s usual displays at Ravenscourt Park and Bishops Park will not go ahead this year, with people encouraged to celebrate instead by baking or buying glow sticks.
A statement on the council website said: “We hope to be back next year with a fantastic new laser light display. This will not only be less disruptive to neighbours, it will also be more environmentally friendly.
“We thank you for your patience while we develop this major new event.
“If you do plan to celebrate with fireworks this Bonfire Night, please do so safely and with courtesy to your neighbours. The London Fire Brigade has suggested alternative ways to celebrate at home, with ideas including making your own Guy Fawkes and bonfire crafts, decorating the home, purchasing glow sticks for children and baking bonfire goodies.”
Hammersmith and Fulham isn’t the only UK council to axe its fireworks display this year. Nottingham’s Bonfire Night event was cancelled due to the cost of living crisis, the local council has said.
Meanwhile, the annual display in Southwark Park was recently scrapped in a nod to the “climate emergency”. Southwark council’s cabinet boss Joseph Brown said it would be “very difficult” to throw a carbon-neutral event this year.
Bonfire celebrations in Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and Hackney have also been cancelled this year, with many councils blaming rising costs and budget pressures.
But many events are still set to go ahead in London, including pyrotechnics at Wimbledon Park, fireworks at Morden Park and a huge display at Battersea Park.
We asked Hammersmith and Fulham council whether its fireworks have been axed to save money or help the environment. The local authority declined to explain.
Pictured top: A previous firework show at Ravenscourt Park (Picture Hamersmith and Fulham council)
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