Safety issues lead to Deeside fireworks display cancellation for second year

Organisers of the annual fireworks display at Deeside Leisure Centre have announced its cancellation for the second year in a row, citing concerns over safety and manpower shortages.

Deeside Roundtable, the community group responsible for the event, shared the news on their official Facebook page, explaining that they “were unable to run the event safely” due to insufficient manpower and challenges in ensuring “adequate crowd control.”

The team also acknowledged that hiring additional security and equipment would make the tickets unaffordable for what is traditionally a low-cost, community-focused event.

In a heartfelt statement, Deeside Roundtable wrote, “It is with great disappointment to announce that Deeside Round Table will not be hosting a fireworks display in 2024.”

“We have worked tirelessly to get this beloved event back on the calendar, working closely with Flintshire County Council, Aura, North Wales Police and North Wales Fire & Rescue Service.”

“Sadly, we are unable to provide the necessary manpower to host the event, provide adequate crowd control, and run the event safely.”

The group reassured the community that they are committed to bringing the event back in 2025.

“We remain committed to bringing this long-standing community event back in 2025 and will be going back to the drawing board to explore every option for next year.”

Residents expressed disappointment at the news, with one local commenting on social media, “Honestly don’t understand how it happened every year for years and years and then all of a sudden stopped and can’t be started again.”

Another added, “I would much rather pay to go to an organised event than have the general public setting off fireworks for two weeks in their back gardens or on the streets being absolute morons. Personally, I believe they should not be sold to the general public at all.”

For those still hoping to enjoy fireworks this year, Deeside Roundtable suggested attending nearby events on Buckley Common and in Flint, organised by the RNLI.