Town centre fireworks, Christmas lights switch-on and lantern parade cancelled

Caerphilly town’s annual fireworks display, Christmas lights switch-on and Christmas lantern parade have all been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision to cancel the events, which are organised and mostly funded by Caerphilly Town Council, was made in a remote town council meeting on Monday (July 20).

Councillor Mike Prew, who was reappointed Mayor of Caerphilly Town during the meeting, said: “We know many will be disappointed, but the most important consideration is people’s wellbeing and health.

“It is clear from Welsh Government advice and common sense that to proceed with these events was not advisable. 

“The Fireworks, for example, is attended by thousands of people and there would be major issues surrounding social distancing.”

Cllr Prew added: “Some people may argue that we could have delayed the decision until closer to the time. The fact is that these events are organised well in advance, with significant financial commitments which needed to be put in place by the end of this month.

“I am, of course, obviously really saddened that we had to take this decision for another reason – the collection at the fireworks raises significant sums for nominated charities. 

“Last year, for example, the Mayor’s Charity provided important funding for the Velindre Cancer Centre and the Caerffili Lions.

“I was particularly pleased when another Mayor’s Charity, the Autism Directory, announced recently they are opening a hub in Caerphilly in August, citing the contribution from the Fireworks collection as crucial to their funding.”

However, Cllr Prew confirmed that despite the official Christmas lights switch-on being cancelled, Christmas lights and a tree will still be displayed in the town centre.

Cllr Prew said he hopes it will “provide a welcome boost to our morale in the run up to Christmas and give a positive signal for our activities next year”.

The meeting saw Caerfilli Lions and Mind Cymru chosen as the Mayor’s charities for the upcoming year, while Cllr Huw Jackson was confirmed as deputy mayor.