Glasgow City Council to consider return of official fireworks display amid Bonfire Night disorder

The return of an official large fireworks display at Glasgow Green is being seriously considered according to the leader of Glasgow City Council.

Councillor Ricky Bell said there is a “strong case” for reinstating the fireworks celebration at the east end park as it could reduce the number of “disruptive displays.”

The Bonfire event has not taken place since 2019 after it was cancelled due to Covid in 2020.

Councillor Bell told the local democracy reporting service: “I think there’s a pretty strong case for reinstating a large, organised fireworks display at Glasgow Green – both in terms of establishing a safe, controlled way for people to celebrate and, potentially, reducing the number of unofficial and often disruptive displays.

He added: “Now, I think we need to be careful about imagining a public display would prevent thugs who want to attack police, fire and ambulance crews from misusing fireworks.

“However, I do recognise the impact that widespread use can have on many residents, pet owners and communities at this time of year.”

“We’re looking at some options. it’s not a straightforward decision – delivering a major fireworks event is expensive and we also need to consider the impact such an event can have on residents around the venue – but it’s under serious consideration.”

Councillor John Daly, Conservative, and Councillor Jon Molyneux, Greens, have raised the issue of reintroducing an official fireworks display during previous full council meetings.

At full council last week Councillor Daly submitted a question querying if there could be a promise to look at the “reinstatement of a city funded firework display” given the “annual blight on the lives of many residents and their pets at this time of year.”

The question was not heard at full council due to limited time.

Baillieston councillor Daly, Conservative, has expressed concern a number of times about the impact of loud noise from fireworks on pets – highlighting in particular the welfare of animals at the Dogs Trust on Hamilton Road.