Carshalton residents have been left divided over a decision to cancel an annual fireworks display in the area.
Round Table Carshalton announced their yearly Bonfire show has been permanently cancelled, with many mourning the loss of a time-honour tradition that shaped their own and children’s childhoods.
Many mourned the loss of a time-honoured tradition that shaped their own and their children’s childhoods.
One Facebook commenter said: “It’s such a shame, I live very close, and these were such lovely things for the park and locals. No fun anymore for our kids.”
Another stressed the amount of work that goes into organising such community events.
They said: “People really don’t appreciate how much time is involved in organising even the most basic of events – so much paperwork and insurance.
“People really need to involve themselves more if they don’t want to lose [them].”
However, some residents welcomed the news that the fireworks display would no longer be going ahead out of concern for animals, vulnerable communities and the environment.
One Facebook user called Ruta, who did not want to give her second name, told The Londoners: “They are noisy and stress animals and autistic people.”
Another said: “I love animals too much. This is a ridiculous celebration of a terrorist hundreds of years ago.”
Feasty Fest, a Surrey food festival that planned to step in when the display was cancelled last year, withdrew at the last minute due to the lack of commercial viability.
When asked if they’d consider it this year, a spokesperson told The Londoners: “It all falls down to money.
“The big companies that have it don’t want to sponsor, and the charities afterwards want the money that’s not theirs.”
Round Table, a men’s social club and charity fundraiser stated on their website that the display could no longer continue due to a decline in group numbers, escalating costs and insufficient support from the local council in navigating the necessary paperwork.
Sutton Council said: “We are sorry to hear the news about the fireworks display.
“We value the work of the Round Table, and we are always happy to help community groups who are seeking to host events in Sutton.”
MP for Carshalton and Wallington Bobby Dean told The Londoners: “It’s a big shame that this fantastic local display is coming to an end.
“A huge thank you to Round Table and all their volunteers for making it happen in the past. I have fond memories clutching a hot chocolate in the cold in the park and will miss it.
“If a new group comes forward again in the future, I’m sure the council will do the best to make it happen.”
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash
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