Inverness is set to go with a bang this Friday (November 5) as the annual fireworks display returns to the city centre.
The firework display is one of a series of experiences by Highland Council’s Events and Festivals Working group, financially supported by the Inverness Common Good Fund and delivered by High Life Highland (HLH).
The display will begin at 6.30pm from a secure location behind the walls of the Northern Meeting Park and is expected to last around 10 minutes. People are asked not to congregate by the river.
Members of the council’s Events and Festivals Working Group have considered the potential impact for public safety in planning the event, the first in the city since 2019.
Highland Councillor Ian Brown, Chair of the city’s Events and Festivals Working Group said: “The health, safety, and welfare of the public and staff involved in the events has been paramount in our thinking.
“We appreciate that traditional, large-scale events are unable to go ahead in their usual format, but we want to allow families to mark these special occasions in the calendar.
“For this reason, there will be no bonfire or associated activities – we will simply have a fantastic firework display that people can enjoy right across the city.”
HLH Events Development Manager Amy MacLeod said: “We have been working hard with our partners to be able to put on a safe and COVID-compliant display, specially designed for a closed off firing zone.
“Whilst large-scale firework events across Scotland have been cancelled, the City has decided that offering a firework display that can be viewed from a distance across the city will allow people to experience the fun and sparkle traditionally associated with November 5th without having the usual mass gathering.”
CEO of Visit Inverness Loch Ness Michael Golding said: “We are delighted that the Inverness city fireworks display is able to take place once again.
“The display provides local businesses with an important boost during these dark sky months, and the natural amphitheatre of Inverness is ideally suited to safely allow people across the city area to enjoy the show.
“The ability to provide such a display during these challenging times shows the commitment and collaboration between key partners, and we will continue to work together for the recovery of the city.”
Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce Stewart Nicol said: “The Highland Council’s Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group have chosen an appropriate solution to what is traditionally a significant annual event for the city and region.
“In doing so, residents of the Highland Capital and visitors alike can celebrate an important date in our annual events calendar.
“This progressive statement demonstrates that we have an ambition to continue to welcome visitors to our city and region while appropriately managing the necessary restrictions we are all having to live with just now.”
Manager of Inverness City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) Mike Smith said: “The annual fireworks display might be a little different this year, but we are sure the public will make the most it as well as enjoying what the amazing local businesses have to offer.
“Shops, cafes, bars and restaurants all ensure safe environments for visitors, and with the fireworks being visible from across the city centre, we hope people can enjoy the plentiful opportunities Inverness has to offer.”
