Important Update: Cancellation of the Viking Bay Fireworks Event
Important Update regarding the Viking Bay Fireworks Display
Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council are sad to announce that this year’s annual fireworks event at Viking Bay has been cancelled.
This difficult decision follows a rigorous safety review and risk assessment. The ongoing major building works to replace a collapsed sewer on Victoria Parade have significantly reduced vital walking space, which serves as our primary crowd dispersal area.
Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council have explored every available alternative, and we are incredibly grateful to Southern Water for being highly accommodating in trying to help us find a solution. However, closer inspection of the data and space constraints confirmed that the risk to public safety is simply too high.
We share your disappointment, but the safety of our residents and visitors must always come first. Thank you for your understanding.
PRESS RELEASE
BROADSTAIRS FIREWORKS EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS
The upcoming annual fireworks event at Viking Bay has been cancelled for this year due to significant public safety risks arising from ongoing building works to replace a collapsed sewer.
Following a thorough review of the event report and risk assessments, organisers at Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council concluded that the reduced dispersal space at the site presents too high a hazard to members of the public.
The primary safety concern stems from roadworks on Victoria Parade, which have resulted in the loss of vital walking space normally used as the main crowd dispersal area. While organisers typically issue a road closure for this space to allow emergency vehicles access, to allow crowds disperse safely and protect pedestrians from moving vehicles, the current restrictions prevent this from happening safely.
While alternative solutions were closely evaluated, a deeper analysis of the data and safety requirements confirmed that the footprint constraints pose an unacceptable risk to crowd safety during an emergency.
Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council noted that Southern Water has been highly accommodating and collaborative throughout the planning process, actively working to try and facilitate the event. However, the council’s assessment remains that public safety must take priority.
ENDS
Events and Bookings Officers
events@broadstairs.gov.uk
01843 263609
