Broadstairs New Year's Eve fireworks display

The New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Broadstairs was cancelled following safety concerns raised by the Thanet District Safety Advisory Group.

Thanet District Council received the application to use its land for the event on 13 December 2011. Advice was sought from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which includes representatives from the police, fire and ambulance emergency services, Kent Highways and the council’s own Health and Safety team. Despite the lateness of the application, the council received comments back from members of the SAG, who raised a number of concerns.

The applicant was then advised that there were a number of health and safety issues that needed urgent attention. It is understood the organiser decided to cancel the event on 19 December 2011 and advised the Broadstairs and St. Peter’s Town Council of his decision.

Cllr. Iris Johnston, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “I share everyone’s disappointment that this event didn’t take place. Hopefully, in the coming weeks, everyone in Thanet who uses council land for events will work with officers and myself on a constructive way forward. This year promises to be an exceptionally busy time with both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 Olympics. Event organisers need to submit their land hire applications at least 18 weeks before their event is due to take place. This allows the council to work closely with other organisations, such as the emergency services, to ensure that public safety is guaranteed. We will always work with organisers to overcome any issues, but to do that, it’s vital that people get in touch with our events team at such an early stage.”

If you are thinking of holding any events during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee event at the start of June, you need to get in touch with the council now. The only exception to this is small street parties, for only one or two streets and for neighbours only. In this case, the council still needs at least four week’s notice before the event and a simple application form will need to be completed.

For more information on holding an event, contact the council’s events team on 01843 577092 or e-mail events@thanet.gov.uk

Details on holding a small street party or fete to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee