Dundee’s fireworks displays will not be going ahead in November, it has been confirmed, as the city continues to take measures against coronavirus.
Both popular annual gatherings at Baxter and Lochee parks have been cancelled to amidst concerns about the practicalities of managing 22,000 people at each location at night. Even if current crowd restrictions are relaxed, restrictions on physical distancing can be expected to continue for some time.
The move to cancel the November 5 displays was agreed today by the leaders of the political groups on Dundee City Council under essential business arrangements.
City development convener Councillor Alan Ross said: “I know this will be a disappointing announcement for the tens of thousands of people who enjoy the spectacular displays at Baxter and Lochee parks.
“Current Scottish Government guidance prevents large gatherings from taking place, and we do not know what the situation would be in November.
“So, it is sensible to decide now that the events should be cancelled.
Community safety and public protection convener Cllr Kevin Cordell added: “Council officers have thoroughly investigated how these events could be organised under physical distancing measures and they have concluded that it would be impossible to deliver this safely on the ground.
“The nature of the entrances and exits from both parks would cause huge problems, as would the fact that the displays take place at night.
“The displays are great family events but we need to concentrate on suppressing coronavirus and keeping people safe. That is our top priority.”
Dundee City Council
Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.