Select a region
A firework display to mark the end of Liberation Day celebrations looks set to continue for the foreseeable future, despite pollution concerns being raised by some deputies.
The suggestion of stopping fireworks for public displays was raised during States question time today, with Deputy Adrian Gabriel asking if Education, Sport & Culture would “commit to investigating alternatives to fireworks because of the noise pollution and associated air pollution”.
He suggested that “coordinated drone displays”, which are becoming more prevalent at major events around the world, could be done instead. He accepted that while this would incur a higher cost, they are reusable unlike fireworks.
Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, President of ESC, which is responsible for organising public celebrations, admitted she is “amongst the party poopers who are not in favour of fireworks”, but public consultations and investigations already undertaken by the committee mean “the fireworks are here to stay for some time”.
Pictured: Deputy Dudley-Owen said she has witnessed a barn owl killed by fireworks in St. Peters. Credit: Dave Carre.
“In the first year that we took our seats [on the committee], I did ask about the alternatives to fireworks as they are costly, and they do go up in smoke very quickly," said Deputy Dudley-Owen.
She said drone displays are “really impressive”, but do carry a larger capital cost, but agreed they are reusable and therefore somewhat more sustainable.
“I'm in the minority, I'm afraid and we did obviously go out to consultation with the public because we're really interested in what the public have to say about our equivalent of a national day - Liberation Day."
A public survey conducted by Island Global Research found that the fireworks from the Castle breakwater were the third most popular Liberation Day event, with 49% of 1,944 responses saying so.
“As fireworks came up top, I'm afraid, Deputy Gabriel, you and I are in the minority. So that's how it stands in our democracy,” added Deputy Dudley-Owen.
In her update statement, Deputy Dudley-Owen said The King’s coronation and Liberation Day would allow the public to “celebrate our identity as a Crown Dependency”.
She also anticipates that 3,500 visitors will come to Guernsey in July for the Island Games: “With 24 Islands competing in events ranging from Archery to Triathlon. Alongside the Games, there will be an extensive Youth Engagement Programme via Schools as well as the Youth Games."
Events will return to Town seafront on Liberation Day
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.