Event Industry News

Henley Regatta fireworks are cancelled

For a century, it has been one of the highlights of the traditional English summer calendar.

But this year the closing-night firework display at Henley Royal Regatta has been cancelled.

During last July’s celebrations at the rowing event, a Belgian crew member was stabbed in the leg, and two others were slashed in the face, as they joined thousands to watch the £10,000 fireworks display on land belonging to the organisers.

Organisers also blamed a marked rise in vandalism to Regatta property on fireworks night for their decision to end the display.

‘Enough is enough and from now on we will secure our land after racing on the Saturday. It is very sad and the end of a long tradition,’ said Mike Sweeney, chairman of the 170-year-old committee which is in charge of the regatta.

‘Some people will be pleased and some won’t. I am sure we will take some criticism but we have broad shoulders.

‘We deliberated long and hard and took this decision for safety reasons.’

The regatta lasts for five days over the first weekend in July, and attracts thousands of spectators, as well international crews to race.

Races are head-to-head knock out competitions, raced over a course of 1 mile and 550 yards.

The traditional end to the racing is a fireworks spectacular, which has always been operated independently, and is attended by both spectators and families from the local area.

But the increase in violence and drunken behaviour has forced the organisers of the event – known for its traditional blazers and boaters dress code – to call an end to the display taking place on its land.

Daniel Grist, secretary of the regatta, said: ‘We have serious concerns, not only about the stabbing of one of our competitors last year but for a number of years there seems to have been an increase in drunken and potentially dangerous behaviour, often amongst visitors from outside Henley on the night of the fireworks.

‘We feel we simply cannot guarantee the safety of the public using the Regatta site on fireworks night and we are not prepared to tolerate the increasing amount of damage to our facilities.’

James Brennan, director of classic car specialists Hoffman’s of Henley, was due to organise this year’s fireworks.

He said: ‘It is very disappointing from the town’s perspective to hear that it’s been cancelled. But from the regatta’s point of view I can understand why they have done it.’

But Mr Brennan is determined to keep the 100-year-old tradition alive.

‘Over the next few months I will work with the regatta to investigate all possible avenues and locations to keep the display alive,’ he said.

‘But if we can’t find a solution it will be a very sad day for Henley.’

Source: Daily Mail

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