'Remember remember' not November for Llandudno fireworks but October!

This year’s show at North Shore beach will take place on Saturday, October 27, before British Summer Time has ended and several days prior to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Llandudno Town Council said the date was considered the most “favourable”, being chosen for safety reasons and as it fitted in with the tides.

Later dates were deemed unsuitable, including November 10 which is the night before Remembrance Sunday.

Cllr Greg Robbins, chairman of the council’s fireworks sub-committee, said: "Believe me, a lot of work - months of worth - goes into this display.

“A firework display is not always on November 5, traditionally it is around that date.

“Looking at the tides, it can be a difficult act. We want to put on a spectacular show but safety is paramount.

“We were very close last year when the tides came in quicker than we thought.

“We have our new venue of the beach and a spectacular backdrop, but it is dependent on mother nature and the tides.”

Town councillor Frank Bradfield, former mayor of Llandudno,it was important to emphasis that the fireworks display - one of the largest in North Wales - was “nothing to do with Guy Fawkes”.

He said: “This is a firework display, nothing to do with Guy Fawkes. The whole thing is governed by the tides.

“Last year there were problems and then in 2016 it had to be called off with the insurance [requirements to cover Llandudno pier]. It was out of our reach.

“Last year we changed venue and had it on the beach. The tide came in quicker than we thought, nothing happened, but we learnt a lesson there.”

He continued: “When it came to this year, we did our research. We wanted to get the best tide that would be suitable for safety and this is why we have gone with October 27 – give it the best tide possible.

“Guy Fawkes Night would have been 3.30pm in the afternoon, which wouldn’t have worked.”

The decision was made by the Fireworks Sub Committee, which includes members of the Llandudno Hospitality Association, Llandudno Pier and others in addition to councillors.

Ted Stocker, University of the Third Age (U3A) facilitator, said more than 100 people from the group every year enjoy a fireworks night meal at Venue Cymru. But the venue is unable to accommodate members this year as it clashes with its pre-show meal bookings during its run of Calendar Girls The Musical.

Mr Stocker said: “Last year, the town council decided to set off the fireworks from the shore. By definition, as the fireworks are set off at 7.30pm, then the council only have to look at the tide tables to know the dates that this option is available.

"If the council decided on this option, they could have announced the date last year. I have emailed the town council a number of times this year to confirm the date without success. I finally got through on the telephone three weeks ago.

“I tried to change my booking at Venue Cymru but they were booked with pre-show reservations for Calendar girls and had not been advised, despite being operated by [Conwy] Council. I spoke to both the Queen’s hotel and St George’s and Bodafon Farm – all were totally unaware of the change to October.

“It appears the hotels have substantial bookings for the original date. As a major tourism resort, the town council have a responsibility to both local people and visitors to make a decision on these major events and advise hotels and event organisers as early as possible.

“It is 100 U3A members which have been left down by this complete inefficiency of the town council. The financial impact on local businesses and hotels must be significant.”

Cllr Robbins added: “This, and this date of October 27, has been talked about for a long time, since January and February, so there is no reason for venues, hotels not to know the date. There are members of Llandudno Hospitality Association on the committee.”

A town council spokesperson, who presented to the Pioneer minutes of the Community Service and Tourism committee and minutes of the Firework Sub Committee when the date of October 27 was discussed, said: “As the firework displays is now held on North Shore beach, it is very tide dependent. Following extensive examination of tide times and tidal ranges but the council and its partner bodies, this was the nearest Saturday to November 5 when the tide was most conducive to hold and set up for a beach display.

"On October 27, low tide is at 7.33pm whilst on November 5, it is at 3.17pm.

“In addition to the show, a good period of time is required to set up the show equipment on the beach and to vacate the beach following the display. There are also public safety distances to be taken into consideration.

“Last year, the display was spectacular event but the speed of the incoming tide was a challenge towards the end of the display and to equipment and personnel. The 2018 display, therefore, allows extra time to safely face the site.”

“We look forward to another breathtaking display.”

Cllr Bradfield added: “We don’t want to upset residents, certainly not, but behind events are unseen difficulties. In North Wales, there is so much effort put into events that people don’t see. For example, the Gold Wings - absolutely brilliant for the town.

“We are very sympathetic to the date being inconvenient in some cases, but it is all determined by the tides.”

Should it be bad weather on the Saturday, back-up dates of October 28 or October 29 have been scheduled.