Loud fireworks to return as silence sparks anger

Colchester Rugby Club's fireworks display in 2023 left some people disappointed and demanding refunds

A rugby club said some people were "very aggressive" towards its staff after a silent fireworks display.

Karl O'Brien, chairman of Colchester Rugby Club in Essex, said its annual event would be back with a bang next month after a quieter alternative was trialled in 2023.

The display would normally raise more than £10,000 a year, which is split between the club and several charities, but refunds meant the club lost money last year, Mr O'Brien said.

Some locals hoped a muted display would return this year because of concerns about their animals.

'Frustrated'

"It all happened at the last minute last year. We said we'd give the silent fireworks a try, and it was an absolute disaster," Mr O'Brien told BBC News.

He said some ticket holders had been "really aggressive towards some of our staff".

"It was people who had paid for the fireworks and were frustrated, and understandably so.

"We were trying to do the right thing; we trialled it, and it did not work."

Rachel Kennedy said she was worried for the welfare of her horses, Vincent and Elsey

Rachel Kennedy, 53, has had horses since she was a child and said she was worried about loud fireworks.

"I understand the disappointment people had last year," she said.

"People were expecting loud ones and they got quiet ones, but the rugby club has to be responsible."

Fireworks were not problematic for her horses, Elsey and Vincent, until they were moved to Boxted, a village near the club, three years ago, Mrs Kennedy said.

"It is just terrifying to think what could happen to our animals."

Cheryl Townson, 65, said her horses, Ash and Lily, have also struggled with noisy fireworks displays in the past.

"Nobody in the area is asking [the rugby club] not to have a display. They're asking them just to be mindful of where they are, surrounded by horses," she added.