Newcastle’s highly-anticipated New Year’s Eve Fireworks have been scrapped, much to the disappointment of many, due to powerful gusts sweeping across the area. Newcastle City Council had eagerly announced the comeback of twin displays to herald in 2023, marking the first firework-led celebrations since before the pandemic – as more recent festivities had settled for a laser spectacle.
Yet, owing to concerns over public safety resulting from persistent high winds, the authorities reached the conclusion to cancel the pyrotechnic shows planned for both 6pm and the stroke of midnight. A spokesperson for the council explained: “The forecast has made it clear that continuing would pose risks to those attending, as well as our event teams working on-site.”
This comes amid a yellow weather alert put forth by the Met Office standing until 11pm tonight, cautioning the North East about extreme wind speeds that might clock up to 70mph – alongside potential disruptions to travel. According to the weather experts: “Strong and gusty southwesterly winds will develop across southern Scotland and northeast England on Tuesday morning, veering to westerly during the evening. Gusts of 50 to 60 mph are expected, perhaps reaching 70 mph in a few exposed areas, and this may lead to some travel disruption.”
A number of weather warnings are currently in place across the UK, including an amber warning for rain in parts of Scotland. Scotland has also been issued with a snow warning, and on Monday, Edinburgh’s outdoor Hogmanay celebrations were cancelled.
Newcastle City Council has apologised to those who had planned to attend the city’s celebrations and wished everyone a “very safe and happy New Year.”, reports Chronicle Live.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We know many were looking forward to celebrating New Year’s Eve on the Quayside with our spectacular fireworks displays, but due to strong gusty winds and a yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office, we’ve had to take the tough decision to cancel the planned events at 6pm and midnight.”
Safety always comes first, and the forecast has made it clear that continuing would pose risks to those attending, as well as our event teams working on-site. “Newcastle’s Quayside is a special place to mark New Year’s Eve, and we understand how disappointing this news will be for both residents and visitors, including those who’ve travelled to our city. We’re incredibly proud of the community spirit Newcastle always shows, and we hope everyone can still find ways to safely welcome 2025 with family and friends.”
“We’d like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience, and we wish you all a very safe and happy New Year.”
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