AFTER a stormy weekend of weather and strong gusts, there had been a question mark over whether Llandudno's much-loved fireworks display could go ahead – but organisers have now given it the green light.
The £42,000 spectacular, dubbed the biggest fireworks display in North Wales, draws thousands of people to the seaside town every year, bringing families together for an evening of pyrotechnics over the North Wales coast.
While Guy Fawkes Night is traditionally observed on November 5, Llandudno has made a tradition of holding its display in October. The event is heavily dependent on the tides, with organisers having to work within a narrow window to set up and clear the beach safely.
When is this year's Llandudno Fireworks Display?
This year's display is scheduled to take place at 7pm on Tuesday, October 27, from North Shore beach.
The back-up date is Wednesday, October 28, at 7pm.
The display site is about 150 metres from the promenade, and at least an hour is needed before the display to safely install the equipment on the beach. Following the approximately 20-minute fireworks display, sufficient time is also required to safely remove all equipment before the tide returns.
Latest weather update from organisers
Following a meeting of the Fireworks Working Group on Monday, October 26, organisers confirmed that the display would go ahead as planned.
They said in a statement: "We can’t wait to welcome everyone for what promises to be a fantastic evening."
Call for donations to help cover £42,000 cost
Organisers have been calling on businesses to help support the event, with Llandudno Town Council's Fireworks Sub-Committee hoping to raise £5,000 or more through sponsorship.
Cllr Carol Marubbi, chair of the Town Council Fireworks Committee, has also encouraged attendees to consider making a £1 donation towards the cost of the event.
“If everyone paid a £1, that would be about £24,000, £26,000. People just don't see the cost of it," she said.
What does the £42,000 fireworks display cost cover?
The £42,000 bill covers much more than the fireworks themselves. Organisers must also pay for safety barriers to protect the public, paramedics, security and public toilets along the promenade.
The event must comply with relevant rules and safety guidelines, while there are also costs relating to highways.
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Cllr Marubbi said: “It’s not necessarily the cost of the fireworks. It’s basically the health and safety - all the stuff that we have to go through. All the hoops we have to go through, it has gone bananas.
“We have been trying to do our best to get sponsorship and a lot of businesses have offered their support.”
Road closures for Llandudno Fireworks Display
The promenade will be closed from the junction of North Parade to the junction with Ty’n y Ffrith Road from 4pm until 9pm at the latest on Tuesday, October 27.
Vehicles may be parked within this area before 4pm, but they cannot be moved until the road reopens.
Where can you park?
Visitors are welcome to use the town centre car parks and available on-street parking nearby.
Car parks include:
- Venue Cymru (£3 for two hours) which has 247 spaces. Between 6pm and 8am, the cost is £4.80
- The Parade (£2.40 for two hours) that has 340 spaces and between October 1 and April 30 is free between 4pm and 10am.
- Tow Hall (£3 for one hour, £5 for two hours) that has 98 spaces spaces and is £6 between 6pm and 8pm.
- Maelgwyn Road (£2 for one hours, £3 for two hours) that has 134 spaces and is £4 between 6pm and 8pm.
Are sparklers allowed?
For health and safety reasons, sparklers are not permitted within the event area.
The team behind Llandudno's fireworks spectacular
The event is organised by Llandudno Town Council, with support from Adam Williams and his team from Llandudno Pier and Tir Prince, as well as Conwy County Borough Council.
Cllr Marubbi, who puts an incredible amount of effort into the event every year, described Mr Williams, owner of Llandudno Pier and director of Tir Prince, as “her rock”.
“Without Adam, we couldn't do it,” Cllr Marubbi said.
“He is my rock and without those lorries, we just couldn't do it.”
Latest weather forecast for Llandudno – Yellow Weather Warning
A Yellow weather warning for strong winds is in place across North Wales, including Llandudno, from 6pm on Monday, October 26, until 3am on Tuesday, October 27.
The warning covers Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey, with the Met Office warning of possible disruption.
A Met Office forecast said: "Spell of strong south to south-westerly winds may cause some disruption during Monday evening and the early hours of Tuesday."
Further forecast details said: "South to south-westerly winds will increase from the west during Monday evening with gusts of 45-50 mph inland and 60-65 mph along exposed coasts and over high ground. The strong winds will be accompanied by heavy rain at times.
"Winds will then ease from the west during the early hours, before increasing again across northern parts of the UK early on Tuesday morning."
Tuesday is forecast to be a "bright and breezy day", with isolated but occasionally heavy showers and plenty of sunny spells.
"Feeling fresh in the strong breeze, this easing through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14C," the Met Office said.
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