THE annual Barry Firework Spectacular has officially been cancelled for November 2020 due to the social distance requirements caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The 47th annual event was due to be held at Whitmore Bay, Barry Island, on Saturday, November 5.

But organisers, the Rotary Club of Barry say the event, which can attract more than 20,000 people, will take place next year.

Rotary Club of Barry fireworks committee chairman, Carl Kerr said: “As a service organisation we have been extremely frustrated by the effect that this despicable virus has had on our plans for this year.

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“This has forced us to consider, owing to continued covid regulations - particularly distancing - whether it will be possible to provide a safe environment for a continued firework spectacular which has been viewed by as many as 20,000 spectators in the arena-like viewing area that is Barry Island resort.

“When we add to this the insurance considerations we very reluctantly decided that, for this year certainly, we would not be able to provide what would have been our 47th annual event, which would have been set for Saturday, November 5 - the historic date for Guy Fawkes day.”

Mr Kerr said: “Our “think tank” is currently heavily engaged in trying to produce a viable alternative and currently we are running a “virtual” duck race, set for Saturday, October 10.

“Our alternative to the fireworks is envisaged to engage the Barry public albeit in a controllable and safe format and we will be letting everyone know when and if we can produce such an event, which we hope will help keep our charitable efforts alive

“Since our early days in Romilly Park 46 years ago, when say 2000 to 3,000 people attended, we have progressed through various venues such as The Knap to the present location at the Island, where we have welcomed what has been estimated to be as many as 20,000 people.

“All of this has enabled us to avoid cancellations even in pretty hairy weather conditions up to now.

“When we commenced in Romilly Park it was very easy to provide entry pay points on the park and so we produced the necessary funding and income at the turnstiles.

“However, as soon as we expanded and moved locations there was a problem.

“There were and are too many access points, so the provision of pay points was impracticable.

“Therefore, and so as to make this a complete service to the community, we decided not to charge for entrance and to seek financing through sponsorship.”

Mr Kerr said when sponsorship ceased charitable funds went unearned.

“But then to the rescue Came Barry Town Council who have sponsored the costs of providing fireworks, public address system and insurances thus enabling us to continue our display right up to now," said Mr Kerr.

“We as a club make all of the arrangements for fielding the event, for example organising the fireworks and PA companies, arranging barricading, road closure and safety notices, marshalling, First Aid (St John Ambulance), novelty stalls, etc., etc., and for this we hope the viewing public feel disposed to putting some coins in the charity collection buckets.

“This with the additional help of the Island traders enables us to produce funds for things like defibrillators, specialist wheelchairs, the Food Bank, “Kids Out” and many other deserving cases.

Mr Kerr added: “On this occasion we ask the people of Barry to bear with us and perhaps understand our decision for this year.

“We look forward to a virus free resumption of normality next year and to welcoming you all yet again to our Firework Spectacular 2021.