Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Fireworks go up in smoke
Families slam Halloween event after delays before it gets axed
THOUSANDS of people were let down after a Halloween fireworks display was cancelled at the last minute.
The finale of the event in Holywood, Co Down, was due to take place at 8pm on Saturday but was delayed and then scrapped due to “difficulties”.
Spectators took to social media to express their frustration, with the local council issuing an apology.
One person said: “Just back from Seapark in Holywood freezing cold waiting on the fireworks display and told 2hrs later fireworks was cancelled. Very disappointed for all the wee kids who where waiting a long time on such a cold night.”
Another posted on Twitter: “I came down with my three kids – seven, 22 months & 10 weeks. We had been there from four.
“No communication whatsoever. No1 knew what was happening. One announcement to say it had been delayed. Then staff said it was definitely happening tonight, they just didn’t know when. Then after 9 it was cancelled. Loads of kids left upset!”
Ards and North Down Borough Council apologised yesterday and explained the cancellation was due to the fireworks being released from a pontoon and a boat is required to travel over to light them. Due to low tide the vessel needed assistance to get into the water but attempts using both machinery and manpower failed.
The council said stewards were on the ground and four tannoy announcements were made over the delays but wind conditions can affect its reach on the large site.
ON HOLYWOOD EVENT YESTERDAY