Newark Town Council has issued a statement after many visitors complained they could not see the firework display at the town's Christmas Light event. On Sunday, November 28, hundreds of visitors spent the day in Newark, supporting local businesses and stall holders, and watching an array of entertainment during the lead-up to the Christmas lights being switched on.
Following the lights was the annual fireworks display, but as the original and replacement locations withdrew their consent for fireworks, the display was instead fired from the grounds of Newark Castle. Many visitors were not able to see the fireworks due to being surrounded by the tall buildings of the town's market square.
A statement posted on Facebook by the town council stated: "We would like to thank all that visited today's Christmas Light switch on event. Newark never fails to show its support for this event.
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"Despite the very difficult financial times we are living in it was great to see so many people supporting the many independent market traders present at the event. We are aware that not all visitors to the event were able to view the fireworks which has caused understandable upset for some.
"Regrettably we were informed on Wednesday this week that the owners of our usual firing location had determined that they could no longer support us using their premises on safety grounds. Needless to say, after many years of support from them this came as quite a shock and caused much alarm for all involved in planning the event."
It continued: "On Thursday morning we secured consent to fire the display from the owners of another town centre location that we felt would offer excellent views of the display. After 2 days of work with them in organising the plans for that site, on Friday afternoon they too withdrew their consent.
"The Newark and Sherwood District Council were approached late on Friday and very kindly made a number of last-minute arrangements to allow the firework company to fire from the grounds of the Castle. The firework company advised they would do all they could to get as much height as possible on the display that had been designed and prepared for firing from a different location.
"We are very grateful to all those that have had to work very quickly this week to assess and change the plans for the firework display this past week. Sadly the ultimate location has proven not to be ideal."
They added: "We fully understand the disappointment felt by those who were unable to see the display. Many of us involved in organising the event have young children and understand firsthand the disappointment that children would feel not seeing an anticipated firework display. We share in the disappointment felt and whole heartedly regret the disappointment caused."
Many visitors took to Facebook to share their disappointment. One wrote: "Shame standing like near the stage you couldn’t see a single fire work. Placement needs to be better."
Another visitor commented: "So you could see the fireworks from Bridge Street - BIG DEAL shame hundreds in the actual market square could see Diddlysquat! Just because it was a Free event didn't mean you were Free to muck it up!"
A third added: "Terrible shame no one mentioned where they would be as probably only a small percentage of people saw them." Another said: "Agree we were mid market place could hardly see the fireworks as almost totally hidden by Council house, everyone around us said same. Saw nothing like this shows such a shame"
However, following the council's statement, many people took to the comments to share their gratitude and understanding. One visitor commented: "Out of your control, and very good that an explanation has been given as people seemed annoyed at first.
"Otherwise it was great, Thanks for organising. Market looked great with all the lights."
Another added: "Thanks for the explanation and honesty - a great event anyway yes shame few saw the fireworks but you did what you could at last min." Whilst another wrote: "Well done to all for actually being able to get the display done at such short notice."
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