Organisers cancel fire festival at park

THIS year’s planned Smoke and Fire Festival in Southport has been cancelled.

All tickets will be refunded in full, or people can choose to redeem for alternative events in either Ascot or Colchester.

The festival was due to take place at Victoria Park in Southport on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19.

Victoria Park is due to host a number of exciting events during 2022 including Southport Flower Show, Southport Comedy Festival, the British Musical Fireworks Championship, the Seaside Weekender Festival, Southport Classic and Speed and others.

A Smoke and Fire Festival spokesperson said: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we have to announce the cancellation of this year’s Smoke and Fire Festival in Southport.

“We know that this will come as an enormous shock and disappointment to all not only to the Southport events community but also to the exhibitors, traders, pit masters, fire jockeys and all who were due to attend the festival.

“This has not been a decision we’ve taken lightly. Due to ongoing extenuating circumstances beyond our control that took place last weekend and the battle to put together an award-winning festival for Southport, we feel we have no choice but to cancel the event.

“Our primary concern now is the responsibility we feel towards those who have purchased tickets for the Southport event.

“All ticket purchases will be refunded in full, or you will have the opportunity to attend one of our alternative events at Ascot (July 30-31) or Colchester (August 20-21).”

For details of events at Victoria Park in Southport during 2022, please visit: victoriaparkevents.co.uk.