High Life Highland has announced on behalf of the Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group, that the skies above the City of Inverness will be lit up on 5th November with a firework display that is understood to be the only local authority run display of its kind happening in Scotland.
Provost of Inverness and Area, Cllr Helen Carmichael, said, “We are delighted that the City is able to put on a planned firework display this year.
“Everyone has had their own challenges over the last year, so we were really keen to do what we could to give people some normality and something to look forward to, but at the same time discouraging large groups of people to make their way to the City.”
Speaking about the display itself, Amy MacLeod, HLH’s Events Development Manager explained, “On behalf of the City of Inverness Area Committee, HLH has continued to work with partners to ensure delivery of a safe and COVID-compliant display, and whilst other colleagues across Scotland have opted to cancel their events, the City has decided that offering a fireworks display will allow people to have some fun and sparkle without the need for a large, mass gathering at Bught Park.
“For this reason, those involved have taken the decision to defer the bonfire and any associated activities this year, and simply hold a fantastic firework display that individuals and families can enjoy from the comfort of their own location with their family and friends.
The fireworks will be set off at 6.30pm on Friday 5th November from a secure location behind the walls of the Northern Meeting Park. The display will be expected to last around 10 minutes.
Speaking on behalf of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Group Commander Niall MacLennan added, “We are pleased that Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group has made the decision to stage this fireworks display. SFRS will always advise the public to view or attend a safe, organised public display. It is safer, better for the environment and often less expensive to attend organised public firework displays.
“If you are unable to view or attend the organised display, we would ask you to consider the impact of fireworks on people and animals. It is often children rather than adults who are injured by fireworks. The noise and lights that fireworks emit can also be overwhelming for people with a sensory impairment and those with neurological differences such as autism. Animals can also find fireworks particularly distressing.”
Dr Tim Allison, NHS Highland’s Director of Public Health, said: “The pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone, and the fireworks display will provide much needed entertainment for many people. We would encourage everyone to watch the display from the comfort of their own garden and not to meet in crowds. There is still a high level of transmission of COVID-19 within the Highlands and minimising spread is still vitally important.
“We would also discourage people from having their own bonfire or fireworks display. By choosing to enjoy the city display, you are limiting the possibility of personal injury and helping to reduce the pressure on our NHS services.”
Provost of Inverness and Area, Cllr Helen Carmichael, added “We want everyone to enjoy the 2021 City Fireworks display in a safe and secure way. We are asking individuals and families not to travel to the city to gather in one location, but instead enjoy the display with friends and family in their own locations.
“We are looking forward to seeing the skies above the city lighting up in this for the first time since 2019 and hope that everyone will enjoy this year’s fireworks display which is funded by the Inverness Common Good Fund.”
