Organisers of this year’s Sparks in the Dark at St Helens in Swansea have postponed the event until Tuesday November 9 next week on safety grounds.
Gales of up to 50mph predicted for the seafront location on Friday (November 5) forced organisers at Swansea Council to move the event to next Tuesday when the weather is expected to be much improved.
More than 2,500 people have bought advanced tickets for the showpiece event and another 4,000 usually pay on the gate.
Frances Jenkins, Swansea Council’s Strategic Manager for Tourism, Marketing and Events, said: “It’s very disappointing that we’ve had to do this. We haven’t taken this decision lightly and would like to apologise for any inconvenience this postponement may cause.
“It’s the first time we’ve had to postpone it in 10 years and only the second time ever. Safety is always our first concern and, owing to the weather forecast for Friday, we believe the best thing to do is re-arrange it for next Tuesday (November 9).
“We hope that everyone who has bought tickets for November 5 will be able to come along to the display next week but those who can’t attend can have their money refunded in full by taking their tickets back to where they bought them.
“It’s going to be exactly the same event with the same brilliant fireworks display and musical entertainment on offer. It’s just that it’ll be four days later.”
According to the forecasts, gales of up to 50mph are expected to sweep up the Bristol Channel for most of on Friday bringing plenty of rain with them.
Although the fireworks show has taken place in wet weather before, gales above force seven predicted for the area for most of Friday have created safety concerns for both the build-up of the event and potentially at the event itself.
For full details about the re-arranged event visit www.swansea.gov.uk/fireworks or contact Special Events on 01792 635428 during normal office hours.
