Disappointment over bonfire night cancellation

Councillors have expressed their disappointment over the cancellation of a bonfire night and fireworks event.

The event, which was due to be held in Truro and expected to attract up to 5,000 people, was cancelled for the second year in a row.

This year's celebrations were cancelled after organisers said it could not be held safely within the available budget.

Mayor of Truro Chris Wells said: "It is obviously disappointing that we could not stage this important community event this year."

He said: "The event has grown significantly and the numbers in attendance at the 2024 event resulted in the need to reconsider how Truro City Council could stage the event safely whilst minimising disruption to residents who live in the Tremorvah area.

"A key objective for the event is to keep the entry price affordable for local residents, but the extra security and access requirements required for that scale of event come at a cost that could not be met by the budget available.

"Looking forward Truro City Council will be considering whether it will be possible to stage the event in 2027, but the need for road closures, temporary pedestrian crossings and other event infrastructure means that the cost of staging the event is increasing."

Chairman of Cornwall Council Rob Nolan said: "I'm very disappointed by the cancellation of Truro's bonfire night event, it's a great community event and fundraiser.

He said the number of people expected meant the event had to be considered as an "enhanced tier" event under the government's Martyn's Law legislation.

The legislation requires organisers of large public events to implement enhanced measures designed to protect people from harm.

The law does not take effect until 2027, although local councils have been encouraged to act as though it is already in force.

Nolan said the reason it did not not come into force straight away was "to give councils time to train staff and prepare".

"This would have been an opportunity to do just that."

He added that he looked forward to the full council next week, when it could be discussed further.

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