Fire & Light: Public health risk behind cancellation of Falkirk's New Year event

Falkirk Community Trust (FCT), which runs the event at The Helix, last week confirmed a decision had been taken to scrap the New Year celebration.

The organisation has since shed more light on the reason for the cancellation.

A spokeswoman for FCT said: “I can confirm that our decision to cancel Fire and Light, along with a number of other festive events, was made with a very heavy heart but, in the context of the Scottish Government’s route map and, in particular, the guidelines on mass participation events which remain in place today, it was the right decision.

“We believe that both the local community at large and previous attendees will fully understand that placing a very large group of people together, even in an outdoor space, is too much of a public health risk while the Covid-19 virus remains a threat.

"The safety and well-being of our customers is of paramount importance to us.

“We also took into account the fact that we would be unable to obtain the commitment of artists, performers, suppliers and contractors that would be required to enable the event to proceed.”

The move to axe the festival was the only choice available, according to Falkirk North councillor, Robert Bissett.

The Labour group leader said: “Given the current times and the increases in coronavirus cases, we’ve no option but to try and stay safe.

“It's a great festival but given the current climate, there’s not an alternative.

“It was the same with the fireworks display which had to be cancelled.

"We have the winter flu coming up too, so with these combined, it had to be done.

“From month to month you’re reacting to what comes from the Scottish Government. We might end up in another lockdown or circuit breaker so I think it’s erring on the side of caution.

“Overall, people need a lift because it’s a time where people are getting fed up but nevertheless we’ve got to stay the course to defeat this virus.”

Thank you for reading this article on our free-to-read website. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a subscription to our print newspaper to help fund our trusted, fact-checked journalism.

https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/nord/dm/FKH/V