Mixed reception to idea of lasers replacing town’s fireworks display

THE idea of swapping Ashbourne’s annual fireworks display for a laser show has met with mixed views.

Ashbourne Town Council’s Environment Committee mooted the idea of making this year’s free fireworks display its last, instead offering an event based on lasers – as has been seen elsewhere.

The council discussed the plan as it continues to find ways to lower its carbon footprint, and concerns were expressed that sending explosives into the sky to create plumes of smoke would not sit comfortably with that ethos. But some readers were against switching to lasers.

A few applauded the suggestion, while others pointed out potential problems with the East Midlands Airport flight path, and the fact lasers rely on a smoky backdrop to be seen. Others welcomed the fact it would cause less distress to pets, during what has become a two-week long season of frightening evenings for them.

The town councillors agreed to give the traditional fireworks display at least one more showing, as an agreement was already in place with the company that puts on the display to turn up in 2021. This year will see a 20-minute display, most likely on Friday, November 5, at a cost of £3,650, within the council’s £4,000 budget.

The councillors unanimously voted to agree they would announce it would be the last fireworks show in

Ashbourne, with alternatives to be explored. The use of lasers and drones to replace fireworks is becoming increasingly common, and other councils across the UK are considering opting for light shows.

This year’s New Year’s Day celebrations in London saw fireworks joined by a sophisticated light show, which involved lasers and 150 drones.