FEARS that members of the public could have been hurt by stray fireworks led to the cancellation of Dunfermline’s annual display on Saturday night. 

The “very difficult” decision to call it off left up to 40,000 people disappointed according to organisers but was taken with strong winds and heavy rain forecast for that evening, and concerns that any rockets or bangers blown off course could injure spectators. 

The display is one of the main events in the town’s social calendar and huge crowds were expected to enjoy the entertainment and watch the pyrotechnic exhibition in Pittencrieff Park. 

Chris Foote, events manager for organisers Dunfermline Delivers, said: “After months of planning, we were very sorry that we had to take this decision; we realise how disappointing the cancellation was for everyone who had planned to attend the event.”

Hopes that it could be rescheduled for the following day – Knockhill’s display was pushed back 24 hours – were also dashed and Press readers took to Facebook in their thousands to share their disappointment. 

Anna Szwedowska said: “Esme is very disappointed. The weather’s not even that bad.” 

Teddy Macdonald added: “I know it’s not too bad and they’ve not rearranged for another night, there’s fireworks at Knockhill tomorrow.”

And Denise Brunton asked: “How is it that Hopetoun House managed to have their display tonight? And what happens to all the money spent on the fireworks?”

A statement from Dunfermline Delivers said: “Just after 2.30pm on Saturday, Dunfermline Delivers took the very difficult decision to cancel the fireworks display in Pittencrieff Park on grounds of public safety. 

“This is the first time that the display has been cancelled.

“The decision was taken after careful and detailed consideration of the following: 

"The weather forecast predicted gusting winds of up to 40 miles per hour at the time the event was due to take place; public safety regulations, along with the expert advice of the contracted pyrotechnics company. 

“The fireworks reach heights of up to 200 feet, the height at which winds were predicted to gust at 40mph. 

“The direction of the wind, which was predicted to blow towards where the crowds would have been standing, was a major consideration for safety.”

The fireworks event costs around £50,000 and although the BID company has event insurance to soften the financial blow, it was still a big disappointment. 

The weather prompted Knockhill Racing Circuit to switch their display until Sunday, and they posted: “We are sorry for any inconvenience caused, we feel as this is a family event and the weather forecast for tomorrow is dry and sunny we have made the best decision.”
Press readers also highlighted that fireworks went off as scheduled just over the Forth, at Hopetoun House, on Saturday night. 

However, the statement from Dunfermline Delivers explained: “Unfortunately, it is not possible to reschedule. 

“As one of the largest free displays in Scotland, which attract crowds of up to 40,000, planning for the event starts at the beginning of the year. 

"Transport, policing, security, council and emergency service arrangements for the fireworks all require considerable advance preparation.

“We realise that some displays went ahead while other displays such as Paisley, St Andrews and Campbeltown were also cancelled. 

"The decision was made on the specific location and logistics of the Dunfermline site.”