Manchester’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display cancelled for the second year

For the second year in a row, Manchester’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display has been cancelled.

Manchester City Council made the decision as a result of the current government guidance regarding the use of vaccine passports for large outdoor events, something which would prove ‘extremely challenging’ to manage due to the public nature of the event.

Manchester councillor Pat Karney said it is a ‘massive disappointment’ to cancel celebrations for a second year running, saying in a statement: “We know that many people will be upset about this.

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“It was a difficult decision to make but with the new Covid variant spreading quickly – and government regulations around large events – we have to put the health of our residents first.

“For those who want to indulge in festive fun, get down to the Winter Gardens and enjoy the stalls that are open until January 2nd.

“But think about your own safety and of those around you. It’s not too late to get your vaccine and booster to protect yourself from serious illness.”

Around 20,000 people attended the last New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Manchester Cathedral in 2019, in what was said to be a record-breaking event.

London and Edinburgh have also announced that they have cancelled their public New Year fireworks celebrations due to uncertainty over Covid.

Joshua Harkon / Unsplash

The Prime Minister has ruled out implementing any further restrictions before Christmas, though he has warned that he will not hesitate to do so if the data shows it is necessary.

According to reports, the Prime Minister is monitoring the data hour by hour, while also urging the public to ‘please exercise caution as you go about your lives.’

Following a two-hour-long emergency Cabinet meeting yesterday afternoon, Johnson said: “Unfortunately I must say to people that we will have to reserve the possibility of taking further action to protect the public, to protect public health, to protect our NHS.

“We won’t hesitate to take action.”