Ravenscourt Park Fireworks Not Taking Place This Year
Council says decision made for benefit of neighbours and the environment
A previous firework display in Hammersmith & Fulham
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has cancelled Bonfire Night fireworks in Ravenscourt Park this year. It says it has made the move after complaints from people living near the park and to help the environment.
It may be the end of the annual fireworks display in the park as plans are underway for a laser show to take its place in 2023.
Residents are being encouraged by the council to celebrate instead by baking or buying glow sticks. The display in Bishops Park in Fulham has also been cancelled.
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 courteously 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 the annual display in Chiswick Business Park, pyrotechnics at Wimbledon Park, fireworks at Morden Park and a huge display at Battersea Park.
Written with contributions from Hannah Neary - Local Democracy Reporter
October 22, 2022