Readers have described their disappointment at this year's Saltwell Park Bonfire Night fireworks event with the organisers coming under fire after reports of 'overcrowding' and an underwhelming display.
Organisers Metro Radio have confirmed they'll be investigating after the Gateshead event drew heavy criticism over queues reportedly lasting over an hour for some spectators and various members of the public branded the event's organisation 'dangerous'.
More than 20,000 people are estimated to have turned out on Bonfire Night to celebrate the return of the giant fireworks display which last took place in 2019.
Read more: 15 pictures from Saltwell Park's spectacular November 5th fireworks display
Organisers had sold the event as the biggest display in the region with a whopping 30-minutes of fireworks accompanied by a laser light show, a live Metro Radio DJ set, food and drink stalls and fairground rides.
Many readers, however, reported they were left disappointed by various aspects of the proceedings. Among the other complaints included 'no disabled parking' available by the time one person had arrived 'two hours early.'
Further to this, multiple readers criticised the length of the fireworks as well as claiming they were set off later than first planned. According to them, fireworks were '20 minutes late' then lasted '18 minutes' instead of the promised half hour.
Reader Leanne Pye also claimed that 'about 12 portaloos' were laid on at the event despite organisers expecting 20,000 people.
One person described the event as a 'bit of a shambles'.
Steff Alberts said: "The only good thing was not being charged for getting photos with the characters near gates. Bit of a shambles having to pay for a full price ticket for a 1 year old child too.
"At least he enjoyed the fire works and memories were made but it was organised pretty poorly and if they are going to charge people to enter then it needs to be dealt with and massively improved for next year."
Martin Walker added: "It wasn't very well run & the firework display wasn't that good also."
Rachel Jayne Thompson said the site was 'overcrowded' but there was a no 'disabled parking' available by the time she arrived at the event with her physically disabled daughter with two hours to go. Resultantly after a 30 minute walk from their car her child 'really struggled' and then had to stand for over an hour.
Rachel commented: "It was so overcrowded there were queues 100+ deep for the food stalls. Not ideal with children as couldn’t navigate through crowds. No disabled parking despite arriving 2 hours early.
"Fireworks were 20 minutes late so left standing around for ages - then lasted 18 minutes instead of the promised half hour. After unexpectedly having to walk for half an hour (due to lack of disabled parking) then standing for over an hour my daughter really struggled and ended up having to sit on my coat on the wet ground."
Joanne Ritchie added that she queued for over an hour to get into the event and described the scenes on the way out as akin to a "human stampede."
She said: "It was absolutely horrendous… queued from 5.30 till 6.45pm to get in. Once in we couldn’t get a drink, food or let the kids go on the ride for the queues!
"There was a 45 minute queue for the flashy light stand and adults were pushing in left right and centre! Kids were being practically trampled! It was horrible. £30 for all of this which included 18 mins of fireworks. Never ever again!"
Her reports were backed up by various others with one person admitting that she felt 'unsafe'.
Paris May commented: "The worst organised event ever. I wouldn’t usually comment on anything. There was way to many people there. I feel like it was unsafe.
"No stewards or people to help people get in and out safely! It was like a stampede. People where jumping over the fences to get out.
Carli Coulson added: "Far from spectacular! Dangerous and very poorly organised!"
Elizabeth Cartner said that she will not be returning to the event in the future: "Horrific! 20 minutes late fireworks, crowded beyond belief, muddy, never seen queues like it, definitely not going again. Extremely bad organisation."
Cheryl Stagg added: "So dangerous. No way was that a safe capacity. Never again, the whole thing was an absolute joke."
A spokesperson for organisers Metro Radio said that the concerns raised will be 'thoroughly investigated' by them.
They said: “The health, safety and enjoyment of event goers to the Saltwell Park fireworks was our priority and Metro Radio worked closely with Gateshead Council and the event Safety Advisory Group to ensure a safe environment for all.
"We are grateful for the feedback from a relatively small number of the people in attendance.
"We will ensure all concerns raised are thoroughly investigated so that we can provide the best experience possible for everyone at future events.”
Gateshead Council have confirmed that they will be working with Metro Radio to review 'the delivery' of the event on Saturday and address all concerns raised.
A spokesperson for Gateshead Council said: "We are aware that concerns have been raised by members of the public about the Metro Radio fireworks event held in Saltwell Park on Saturday.
"The health and safety of residents attending such events is paramount and we take any comments received very seriously and will investigate.
"All events held on Gateshead Council land are supported through an event planning process which includes consideration by the Gateshead Safety Advisory Group.
"The Council will be working with Metro Radio to review the delivery of the event on Saturday, review the event management plan and address all concerns raised."
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