Dundee City Council needs to return annual fireworks displays says Councillor

The SNP axed both the civic Christmas tree and annual fireworks displays some years ago despite the opposition of Liberal Democrat and other councillors. However, Dundee City Council finally agreed earlier this month to return the annual seasonal Christmas tree in the City Square and following that a Dundee councillor has suggested that the council also backtracks on its axing of any civic events on bonfire night - 5th November.

Councillor Daniel Coleman has said that the council should now also look at the viability of bringing back the public fireworks displays on 5th November. These were provided every year until the SNP administration stopped them in 2022.

Strathmartine Ward councillor Daniel Coleman said:

“I think the Dundee events strategy should look again the lack of any offer to the people of Dundee in relation to Bonfire Night.  The SNP axed fireworks displays in 2022 citing that one of the venues – Baxter Park – would not meet safety criteria following the Manchester Arena tragedy."   

“However, Balgay is still a viable venue and there are alternatives to Baxter Park in the east of the city, for example Drumgeith Park could be considered."

“For many years, the council sent the message to the public to attend its public fireworks rather than have their own displays. The public displays are safe and that was sensible messaging, particularly given the anti-social behaviour that a minority have been responsible for on 5th November in recent years."

“The Liberal Democrat Group thinks the council should be more adventurous in its events strategy and provide more events and fun for the people of Dundee. Simply walking away from doing anything on 5th November was a really detrimental step by the SNP administration."

“I also think that, in looking again at Bonfire Night events, the council should look at modern alternatives to fireworks. Drones shows are now increasingly popular and may prove more cost-effective and also avoid the noise concerns that fireworks bring."

“I want to see the council taking a fresh look at 5th November events and have no doubt that the Dundee public agree,” concluded Councillor Coleman.