Aldershot fireworks AND Christmas Lights switch-on cancelled
The outdoor events are the latest to fall victim to the coronavirus pandemic.
Last updated 18th Sep 2020
More major local events have been called off due to the coronavirus pandemic - this time, Aldershot's annual fireworks display and its Christmas Lights switch-on.
Rushmoor Borough Council says they can no longer go ahead because of coronavirus restrictions on numbers gathering outdoors.
The Rushmoor Fireworks Spectacular was scheduled for the end of October and the Christmas lights event was due to be held on 21 November.
A council spokesperson says it cannot ignore the safety risks - with both events involving a large gathering of people in a small space.
Smaller scale Christmas activities are still going ahead including the annual Farnborough Frost Fair on 28 November.
Councillor Marina Munro, Rushmoor Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Economy, said: "While I'm sure that the news of cancellation won't come as a shock to anyone, we are still incredibly disappointed that the fireworks spectacular is unable to take place this year as we know it is a much anticipated event for local residents and visitors.
"With the event attracting over 10,000 people we cannot ignore the safety risks it currently presents, and public safety has to be the priority.
"The same applies to the Christmas Lights Switch-On which, while a much smaller event, still involves a large gathering of people in a small space.
"This is the latest in a year of difficult decisions, coming on the back of the cancellation of the Princes Hall pantomime, and our usual Victoria Day, VE Day and Armed Forces Day celebrations, but one we feel we had little choice in making.
"We are extremely proud of the borough's extensive events programme, and will continue to plan for smaller scale activities that meet the Covid guidance over the coming months."
The council's Town Centre & Cultural Manager, David Phillips,has been organising both events for the past 12 years.
He said: "Finding a way to hold these major events safely is simply not possible. The sheer number of people the fireworks attracts, in what is a relatively confined space, means we would be unable to deliver the event safely and responsibly.
"This is not the news any of us wanted to deliver, but it would have been dangerous and irresponsible to continue with plans in the current climate.
"We will continue to plan for a comprehensive programme of smaller Christmas events for the borough, and are looking forward to our new Rushmoor Heritage Festival which is running throughout October".