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09
Dec 2021
Last Updated: 08/12/2021
Ripon's New Year fireworks in doubt over safety concerns
The fireworks display that has been a feature of Ripon's New Year's Eve celebrations for more than 30 years is in doubt. Safety concerns have prompted the council to look for alternative sites and consider a laser light show instead.
Ripon's annual New Year's Eve fireworks display is in doubt because of safety concerns about letting off fireworks behind the town hall
Ripon City Council, which has staged New Year's Eve celebrations on the site since 1985, is exploring other options after being advised it can no longer set off fireworks on land behind the town hall.
It could spell an end to any further fireworks displays taking place in the Market Square.
Council leader Andrew Williams said:
"Following the redevelopment of the Claro Lounge (pictured below) next to the town hall and the flats above, which have balconies to the rear, the fireworks company have advised that it is no longer safe to discharge fireworks on the land behind the town hall.
"Harrogate Borough Council has been asked for permission to use part of the car park behind Sainsbury's but this request has been refused. Discussions on this are ongoing.
"It may well be that as a result we are not able to find a suitable safe location to discharge fireworks from at future Ripon City Council events.
"I am currently exploring the possibility of having a laser light display for New Year's Eve and will provide an update when I know whether this will be possible, or if we have managed to find a safe location to set the fireworks off from."
Fireworks displays provided the finale to the Yorkshire Day weekend event concert on 31 July (pictured above) and the Last Night of the Proms concert in September.
On New Year's Eve, there will again be free live music on Market Square from 9.30pm, with performances from the Big Boyband Reunion and Oasis tribute acts.
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