Douglas Council says changing the date of its fireworks display was not down to “bad organisation” on its part.
It will now take place over Douglas Bay at 7pm on the November 26, to coincide with the start of late night Christmas shopping, instead of on Bonfire Night (November 5).
The local authority says it is due to issues “affecting the transportation” of the fireworks to the island.
It is understood Mezeron ships the fireworks. The company has been contacted for comment but it has declined to respond to a media request.
Chair of the Regeneration and Community Committee Natalie Byron-Teare said a number of other dates were considered rather than cancelling the show entirely.
She said: “Our team worked very, very hard and have worked very, very hard to get this event done.
“But unfortunately, due to the hazardous goods ship not being in service, alternative arrangements had to be made.”
She added: “We would normally have our fireworks arrive a day or two before the event. That’s always been the case because as a council, we don’t have anywhere to store that number of fireworks.
“It’s always been done that way. Given that we weren’t able to get them across on the day that we wanted, we had to look at alternatives.”
You can hear the full interview here:
