Newham Council has been forced to cancel its Fireworks Night due to safety concerns over adverse weather conditions.
The heavy rain and strong gusts of wind, which are forecast to continue throughout Saturday evening, have led to the council’s Event Management Team deciding that it would be unsafe to go ahead with the event. Gusts of wind exceeding 30mph are forecast by the Met Office, with rain throughout the evening.
Newham Council regrets any disappointment that this may cause, but public safety must be the priority at all times.
Due to the lengthy process of planning event safety plans and necessary licence applications required, it will not be possible to reschedule the event this year.
The Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, said: “It’s a real shame that we’ve had to cancel tonight’s fireworks event as I know many residents were looking forward to enjoying the spectacular display with their families and friends.
“However, they also rightly expect it to be a safe event, and if we can’t guarantee that due to dangerous weather conditions, then it’s right that we put their safety first.”