Forres bonfire night display issues being ‘investigated’ by Fireworx Scotland
A bonfire and professional fireworks display that was enjoyed by almost 4000 people was cut short due to “technical difficulties”.
Forres Rotary organises the free event at Grant Park every year using funds raised by donations while the Inverurie-based, Fireworx Scotland, is responsible for the spectacular display that typically lasts for around 20 minutes.
However, Rotary treasurer, Ken Mclennan, confirmed this year’s fireworks display was cut short by three minutes on Saturday.
He explained: “Fireworx Scotland had some technical issues which they are investigating at the moment. The display was stopped for safety reasons - to protect the public - as they couldn’t figure out what was causing extended delays between fireworks going off.
“Fireworx Scotland controls them via a computer in their van - there is no use of lighters as in the old days. The fireworks that weren’t used were disarmed and taken back to their base.
“Everyone I spoke to on the way out said it was still a good event and they were happy with the show. I was pleased with it and I know Fireworx Scotland will find out what caused the problems.”
He added: “Well done to them for providing such a professional show every year. I believe they had nine in total all over Scotland on Saturday night. They’re the best in the country.”
“Gutted” Fireworx Scotland director Mark Copland will investigate the issue fully as soon as the company completes its run of 40 displays in nine days.
He said: “The Forres problems were as a result of a software issue. It’s never happened before in all of our years of staging events. As ever, we started planning for them in January, ordered the fireworks then, commenced preparation in August. We set up as normal on Saturday and everything tested fine.
“Unfortunately I’ve limited time to find out exactly what caused the glitch in Forres at the moment but we’ll find out what it was ASAP.”
Fireworx Scotland had a team of four working at Grant Park on Saturday - two of them from Forres.
“We’ve supported Forres for many years now,” said Mark. “It’s not like we’ve travelled up from England - Forres is home turf, especially for our local boys. We all have friends in the town that we don’t want to let down.
“We are passionate about what we do so it was soul-destroying to have to pack up early.“
Mark promised “to give something back next year”.
“The display will be special,” he said. “There’ll be a massive difference compared to this year!“
Despite the complications, market stalls, fairground rides, food vans and music over the tannoy system presented by compere Andy Wardley added to a warm, family atmosphere.
The bonfire - topped with a selection of imaginative effigies entered in an earlier ‘Best Guy’ competition - was lit and burned away with no issues.
“Moray Council is reinstating the bonfire site today (Monday),” said Ken. “We agreed to pay them a fee. On this occasion they allowed scorching and agreed to fix it rather than digging up the turf, removing and re-laying it. It’s easier for them in the long term.”
A total of 50 volunteers were at the event included bucket collectors from other voluntary groups.
Forres Rotary, 446 (Forres) Squadron from the Air Training Corps, and 39 Engineer Regiment also helped with safety marshalling and crowd control, while Outfit Moray was on-hand with first aid support.
“Without the team, the event just wouldn’t work,” said Ken.
“We start setting up the bonfire - mainly made up of wooden pallets from tattie boxes - and safety barriers on Saturday morning. “Fireworx Scotland have their display set-up by midday.
“During the fireworks, our team patrols a 100 metre safety perimeter which goes up into the woods. Five or six folk up there ensure no one walks into the display arena.
“A fallout zone is included in our 50 page safety plan but Fireworx Scotland can alter the fireworks’ trajectory if necessary, according to the weather conditions. The remnants return to earth as ash in any case.
“On Sunday we take everything down and finish clearing up.”
Forres Rotary is grateful to everyone who attended the event and contributed.
Ken finished: “I’m delighted that, despite a small technical hitch, everyone who witnessed another display at Grant Park went home safely.
“We look forward to the next event on November 8 next year.
“Meanwhile, our JustGiving page is open at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/forres-fireworks for donations.”
