The event expected 5,000 people to attend, the local council said.
(file picture) The fireworks display in Truro was cancelled last year too (Image: Getty)
Residents in a Cornish town have voiced their disappointment after the annual bonfire night and fireworks display was cancelled for the second year running. Organisers at Truro’s annual bonfire night and fireworks display said the popular event requires extensive discussions and safety plans to ensure it can go ahead.
And despite the best efforts of everyone involved in planning, it will once again not take place, it was revealed. Truro City Council said the event was expected to attract around 5,000 attendees, placing it within the “enhanced tier” category under the Government’s Martyn’s Law legislation.
The legislation obliges organisers of large-scale public events to put in place strengthened safety and security measures aimed at protecting attendees.
Although Martyn’s Law is not due to come into force until next year, the council said local authorities are already being encouraged to prepare and operate as though the requirements are in effect, Cornwall Live reports.
Tremorvah Playing Field had been identified as a potential venue, and extensive discussions were held covering road closures, ticketed access, crowd management, communication systems, and arrangements for emergency support.
However, the council concluded that it would not be possible to deliver the event safely within its current budget and resources while keeping it affordable for residents and minimising disruption to those living near the site.
Truro City Council said the event was expected to attract around 5,000 attendees (file picture) (Image: Getty)
Truro City Council Town Clerk, David Rodda, said, “Truro City Council can only stage events where it is satisfied that it can do so safely and within available budgets.
“Despite our best efforts, it was not possible to do that this year whilst keeping the entry price at an affordable level and whilst ensuring that we meet the necessary requirements of an “Enhanced tier” event under Martyn’s Law.
“I know this will be a disappointment for many residents.”
Some residents expressed their anger at the move, with one saying, as reported by Cornwall Live: “Truro, the failures are all around us, no surprise, no thought of having a safe aerial display we can all see in the sky with no attendees at risk and controllable expense?”
A second said: “So that’s that finished indefinitely now I’d guess .. for a city it offers very little.”
“Shocking decision,” said a third.
Another added: “Sorry but this is pathetic.”