A woman who attended has shared a harrowing experience. She said: “Whilst I appreciate that the fireworks event is only organised by Driftwood Spars, and the overall event was well organised in terms of stewards, lost children meeting point, etc, I would ask that you (Driftwood Spars) complain to the company that were employed to run the display and ask for a full investigation to be published into the events of the display.
“We were stood in the seating area in front of the cabin when the first firework was set off. This was obviously too low and dangerous. The company unfortunately decided to continue with the display. By the time a few fireworks had been set off one went into the crowd next to us hitting at least two people that I am aware of.
“As if this wasn’t bad enough the company continued to set off fireworks after this happened despite the staff from the cabin radioing them to tell them to stop. My six-year-old God-daughter was extremely scared. Once it was apparent that more fireworks were being released after the firework hit the crowd, three of us sheltered her to maintain her safety, we were at risk but her safety was paramount, it is a shame the fireworks company didn’t feel the same way.
“We managed to move through the crowd and shelter beside the cabin where others, mainly children were sheltering, all of whom were very scared, one girl was with her mum and had been hit in the face. My God-daughter has not stopped crying or shaking and it is now over 30 minutes since the event.”
A spokesperson for Driftwood Spars has clarified the situation, confirming it did stop the display but a bundle of multi fireworks had already been activated, so could not be stopped. They said: “The single cell which caused these injuries was part of a multi firework and therefore several further cells went off shortly after the initial incident but fired correctly. This was beyond our control due to the nature of multi fireworks..” A full statement can be read further up in this blog.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
