BONFIRE night celebrations went off with a louder bang than expected at Barnard Castle over the weekend, despite meticulous planning by organisers.
The event, which was organised by the Barnard Castle Christmas Lights Committee with support from charity fundraisers The Clique, returned to a venue on the upper Demesnes for the first time in three years and drew crowds of more than 1,500, raising £3,500 for the lights appeal. However a number of complaints from town residents about the volume of the fireworks, which were supposed to be animal friendly as possible with quieter fireworks set to music. Cllr Roger Peat, said: “The fireworks we asked for from Reaction Fireworks were of the quietest variety, however somehow from negotiations with the owner of the company to the firework designer putting the display together some sort of miscommunication has happened.
“I have spoken with them and they confirmed we asked for the quietest variety of fireworks they do but they just used regular ones.”
However, Cllr Peat added: “It was a really good night and from this location we can grow. We had the fireworks in an elevated position so everyone could see and it’s something we can grow safely. We must give a great thank you to The Clique who did a lot of the marshalling to get people in and out safely.”
Alan Hillary, a director for Reaction Fireworks, based in Stanley, said: “I have spoken to all concerned in Reaction Fireworks and it would seem that the reason you were not provided with a low noise display was entirely our mistake.
“There was a miscommunication between us and Adam who is our display designer and for this we apologise. I have to say mistakes of this nature are exceptionally rare and guarantee that should you want our services again next year you will be provided with a low noise display.”
The company said it will discuss compensation with the organisers of the lights display.
