Fire brigade issues warning ahead of fireworks displays

Published on Tuesday 4 November 2008 09:23

THE bonfires are being stacked and the fireworks are ready to go.

This year there will be no excuse for missing a Bonfire Night celebration, with displays to be held across the Lothians tomorrow.

From the biggest event at Meadowbank Stadium to smaller community displays, thousands of people are set to join in the fun.

As firefighters gear up for their busiest night of the year, fire chiefs today urged people to stay safe and attend an organised event.

A Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "If you can, go to an organised bonfire and fireworks display.

"The fireworks set off there are usually much more spectacular than those you would use in your garden.

"However, if you do have a firework party at home, take care as most firework incidents happen at family back garden displays."

Here's the Evening News guide to displays across the region (being held tomorrow, unless stated) . . .

EDINBURGH

&#149 Edinburgh's premier display will be hosted at Meadowbank Stadium. The fireworks start at 7.30pm, with pre-show entertainment from 6.30pm.

Single tickets cost 4.50 each, with family tickets (two adults and two children) priced at 16. To book, contact Meadowbank on 0131-661 5351.

&#149 Many people will flock to Edinburgh Zoo to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night with panoramic views of fireworks across the city from the top of Corstorphine Hill, with tickets already sold out.

&#149 Clovenstone Community Centre will hold a fireworks display tomorrow from 6pm.

&#149 A display kicks off at 7.15pm at George V Park, Currie.

&#149 A bonfire at Pentlands Community Centre, Oxgangs Brae, will be lit at 7pm, with fireworks set off from 7.30pm.

&#149 Queensferry Bowling Club will host an hour-long display from 7pm.

WEST LOTHIAN

&#149 Linlithgow Rugby Club is holding a display and bonfire from 7pm at its Mains Park ground.

The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and the fireworks set off at 7.30pm.

&#149 A fireworks display followed by a disco will take place at Deer Park Golf and Country Club in Livingston on Friday evening. Tickets cost 5 each or four for 15.

&#149 Livingston Cricket Club is holding a display on Saturday, at its ground at Murieston Valley, Murieston. Entry is free, with a barbecue from 6.30pm and the display starting at 7.30pm.

&#149 Bathgate fireworks display will also take place on Saturday at the showpark on Glasgow Road.

EAST LOTHIAN

&#149 The Musselburgh annual fireworks display will this year take place at the racecourse, having outgrown its former home.

Hosted by Scott Glynn and featuring children's entertainer Mr Boom, doors open at 6pm with fireworks at 8pm.

&#149 The organisers of Tranent's annual fireworks display promise a "bigger and better" show this year, after receiving a 2440 cash boost from the National Lottery. Thousands of people are expected to gather at Muirpark playing fields on Friday.

MIDLOTHIAN

&#149 Dalkeith fireworks display will take place at Mayfield Park.

Youngsters can enjoy Punch and Judy shows and rides from 6.30pm, with the display starting at 7.30pm.

PLEA TO KEEP PARK FREE OF ROCKETS

AS people wrap up in their winter woollies and head outdoors to see fireworks light up the sky for Guy Fawkes Night, Historic Scotland rangers are again urging people to attend organised firework and bonfire events instead of launching fireworks in Holyrood Park.

In the past fires in the park caused by fireworks have destroyed hundreds of square meters of grassland and gorse, and led to birds, hedgehogs, foxes and toads being killed.

Martin Gray, visitor services manager at Holyrood Park, said: "We are encouraging people to go to an organised local display where they can enjoy bonfire night safely.

"The last two years we have had concerns for the safety of a large number of people using the park for firework displays. This can lead to a serious accident."

Meanwhile, the Scottish SPCA has again urged pet owners to make sure they keep their animals indoors during fireworks displays.