Blackpool postpones World Fireworks

The annual World Fireworks Championship Blackpool has been postponed, organisers have announced.

The four free events were scheduled to take place on successive Fridays – September 11, 18, 25 and October 2.

VisitBlackpool say that the current restrictions on mass gatherings and safe distancing make it impossible to stage the events, which usually attract tens of thousands of people to the Promenade.

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Blackpool Council cabinet member for tourism and culture, said: “We have waited as long as we can to make this decision, but the current guidance simply does not allow for large-scale events such as these.

“It is obviously disappointing not to be staging one of our most popular events, but we are maintaining our position that we will always put the health and safety of our residents and visitors first.

“We will continue to review the guidance in the months ahead and if there is an opportunity to stage one or more fireworks events at an appropriate time we will consider that option.

“Either way, we are hoping to see a return of the usual sequence of World Fireworks events in autumn 2021.”

VisitBlackpool has already announced that the autumn Illuminations season will be extended by two months, stretching from September 4 to January 3, 2021.

The display, which will be presented under a theme of Bring On The Light, will feature a special tribute to the heroes of Covid-19 with a display of hearts and rainbows along the famous Golden Mile, as well as the images of more than 50 'Corona Heroes' from around the UK.

The Illuminations will be turned on in a virtual Switch-On event that is being streamed in association with MTV and will be free to access at 8.30pm on September 4.

Special guest performers include Spice Girl Melanie C, Fleur East, Diversity, Becky Hill, Tom Grennan and Blackpool’s own Rae Morris, who will perform live in a closed set in the Tower Ballroom.