City fireworks cancelled amid safety concerns

Truro City Council said the decision was made after a review of the event's arrangements

An annual bonfire and firework display has been cancelled following concerns over traffic congestion and an increasing need to consider how to keep pedestrians and vehicles separate.

Truro City Council said the decision for the event due on 6 November was made after consulting with the Safety Advisory Group.

Council clerk David Rodda said: "We understand this will be disappointing news for many residents and visitors to Truro, but our ability to organise an event of this scale so that it is safe and enjoyable for all involved must remain Truro City Council's highest priority."

The council said it was committed to exploring alternative options for 2026.

In a social media post, the authority added it would be reviewing potential venues, as well as traffic and pedestrian access, in order to support the return of the event in the future.

The Safety Advisory Group was made up of Cornwall Council's highways department, police, ambulance and other bodies.

The event was due to take place at Truro Cattle Market, with a bonfire lit at 18.30 GMT, followed by the fireworks display at 19:00.

Its traditional site at Tremorvah playing field was deemed unsafe due to vehicle 'chaos' and police concerns last year.

Truro City Council said it had looked at whether an alternative venue was an option.

It said due to the popularity of the event last year it was not possible to find an alternative venue without resulting in significant additional costs, which would reduce the donations made to charities which helped run the event.

It added other events in the local area had been cancelled, including the Falmouth display which Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service announced it had cancelled.

'That sucks'

Mr Rodda told a meeting of the council's finance and general purposes committee on Monday that the event would have to be cancelled.

After the town clerk told the committee, Councillor Steven Webb said: "That sucks".

Councillor Rod Pascoe suggested a committee be set up to organise looking at bringing the event back in 2026 "so it doesn't die a death at the death next year".

Additional reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.