Concerns over huge summer fireworks festival amid drought

Abingdon International Fireworks Festival is scheduled to take place at Abingdon Airfield on Saturday, August 29, with organisers billing the event as the UK’s ‘biggest summer fireworks night’.

It is due to involve four full pyrotechnic shows, including a 270 degree closing fireworks display, a ‘wall of fire’, hot air balloons and a ‘huge’ fairground.

But people are concerned about the risk of the event sparking a fire, amid a continuing drought and repeated heatwaves hitting the county.

(Image: Xplosive Events)

It is scheduled just weeks after the government sent out an emergency alert to millions of phones in the UK about the risk of wildfires and the steps people should take to minimise the risk of starting a blaze, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham describing Britain as a ‘tinderbox’.

Oxfordshire County Councillor Tom Greenaway for Abingdon East said he has written to the relevant authorities to discuss people’s concerns about the show and the steps that could be taken.

In a statement shared on Friday, August 14, he said: “Thank you to those who have written to us regarding the drought and wildfire risk for this event.

“We have raised these concerns with the relevant authorities, and conversations are continuing with those responsible for organising the event.

“Thank you all for your patience. We will provide an update when have further information.”

County Councillor Nathan Ley, for Abingdon North, shared Cllr Greenaway’s concerns, and added: “If I was in charge of anything it would have been stopped already.”

Abingdon Bonfire and Fireworks show, also organised by Xplosive Events (Image: Xplosive Events)

A spokesperson for Xplosive Events, organising the Abingdon Fireworks Festival, said: “The organisers already made a decision as of Thursday, August 13 following meetings with the Ministry of Defence.

“Details of the decision and the future of the event will be announced on Monday at 2.30pm, and all ticket holders will be contacted at the same time.”

People had taken to social media to express their concerns about the possibility of a large-scale fireworks event going ahead during the drought.

One commenter said: “Even if all precautions are taken it doesn’t set a good example to the general community about the use of fireworks during this drought.”

Restrictions are already being imposed on the public to reduce the risk of accidental fires starting in the countryside, such as a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues.

Another commenter added: “I love fireworks but totally agree that it would be irresponsible in the current conditions.”

Multiple people added that they had written to the MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, Layla Moran, who acknowledged their concerns and said she would write to the Chief Fire Officer.