New Year’s Eve fireworks have long been a cherished tradition that brings our community together to celebrate, reflect, and welcome the year ahead.

This past year, the New Year’s Eve fireworks were cancelled, leaving families, visitors, local businesses, and community groups disappointed. Fireworks are more than just a display — they create shared experiences, boost local tourism, support small businesses, and provide a safe, family-friendly way for people to celebrate together.

I am calling on decision-makers to commit now to reinstating New Year’s Eve fireworks for 2026, with appropriate planning to address safety, environmental considerations, and community concerns.

Why this matters:
🎆 Community connection – Fireworks bring people of all ages together
🏪 Economic boost – Supports local hospitality, tourism, and small businesses
👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly celebrations – A safe alternative to private parties
🌏 Pride in our region – A positive way to showcase our town to visitors

With proper planning, consultation, and modern safety practices, New Year’s Eve fireworks can return in a responsible and inclusive way.

I will be asking our local council and relevant authorities to:

- Commit to hosting New Year’s Eve fireworks in 2026, giving the community certainty well in advance.

- Engage with the community on suitable locations, timing, and accessibility to ensure a safe and inclusive event.

- Allocate funding and planning resources early, or alternatively, explore cost-recovery options such as a ticketed or partially ticketed event, similar to successful community-run models like the Berry fireworks delivered by Rotary Berry.
_________________________________________________

The images below were taken on New Year’s Eve this year.

They show quiet streets, reduced foot traffic, and a noticeable absence of visitors during what has traditionally been one of the busiest nights of the year for our town.

This outcome is not accidental — it is a direct result of the decision not to host New Year’s Eve fireworks.

The real impact on our community:
🏪 Reduced tourism – Fewer visitors chose to stay or travel to the area
💼 Lost income for small businesses – Cafés, restaurants, pubs, accommodation providers and retailers missed out on a major trading night
🛏️ Lower overnight stays – Fireworks traditionally encourage visitors to stay locally rather than pass through
🏘️ Loss of vibrancy – Our town felt quiet and empty instead of alive and welcoming

New Year’s Eve fireworks are not just a celebration — they are a proven economic driver. Their absence sends a clear message to visitors that our town is no longer a destination on one of the most important nights of the year.

By choosing not to host fireworks, council has reduced tourism, weakened local business confidence, and removed a key community event without providing an effective alternative.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I believe our town deserves better.

 

With proper planning, consultation, and financially responsible delivery — including options such as ticketed or cost-recovery events — New Year’s Eve fireworks can and should return in 2026.

Councillor Yasmin Tatrai