Free fireworks display could return to Glasgow as councillors discuss options to fund venture

A free fireworks display could return to Glasgow after councillors agreed to look at investing £100,000 into the project.

The last event was held at Glasgow Green in 2019, but now the city’s Scottish Greens politicians want to use common good funding to reinstate the November date.

Councillor Jon Molyneux lodged an amendment at a meeting asking officers “to explore options to ring-fence around £100,000 to support the delivery of a public display.”

It was approved by all local politicians sitting on the city administration committee.

Treasurer Ricky Bell voiced support for the move at today’s meeting.

Councillor Molyneux said: “I’m pleased that there was cross-party support for taking a fresh look at how we use Common Good Funds in Glasgow, and particularly if they could support the return of a civic fireworks display.

“We know that the fire service wants to see more people attending public displays because they are far safer. Green councillors are pushing for Glasgow to implement a city-wide fireworks control zone following a recent consultation on that, so this would be the ideal time to bring back an officially organised display for the city.

“Many other councils use their Common Good Funds to pay for local displays. At the moment, Glasgow’s Common Good Fund pays for civic receptions at the City Chambers. There’s definitely a discussion to be had about how we can open that up so it can benefit more citizens, and I look forward to this work moving ahead.”

SNP councillor Bell said: “I’m happy to accept the amendment. I think it is a good opportunity for us to review what we are doing and be confident that we are using this fund in the best way for the benefit of as many Glaswegians as we can. ”

Councillor Robert Mooney, Labour, asked if the fund had enough money to cover events at Christmas and Bonfire Night year on year.

Councillor Bell said: “The fund is currently at approximately £400,000, and the amendment that councillor Molyneux is moving is to ring-fence £100,000 of that. It is to allow officers to go away and do some work on it.”

Councillor Bell said the proposal does not relate to Christmas displays – just fireworks.

Councillor Molyneux added: “The two Lanarkshire councils collaborate on an event at Strathcylde Country Park, and they deliver that with a budget of £60,000. So I do think there is an opportunity to look at what we can do rather than just saying we can’t afford it.”

He said it may also be about looking at local neighbourhood events.

The matter was discussed as the committee agreed the common good budget for 2025 to 2026.