Youths cause cancellation of Newark Festival fireworks finale after assaulting and intimidating pyrotechnic technicians
A group of youths forced the cancellation of Newark Festival’s fireworks finale last night, causing disappointment for hundreds of people.
The fireworks had been set to be launched from Riverside Park at the culmination of the Brass Explosion concert that was taking place in the castle grounds.
However, the youths, who regularly cause disruption in town, intimidated and assaulted pyrotechnic technicians and security staff, meaning it was not a safe environment to let the fireworks off.
They had also evaded security to get into Saturday night’s paid-for eighties concert.
Police were called in response to the incident last night.
Ian Harrison, from Newark Town Council, said: “We are conscious that people are so disappointed that we couldn’t end the fabulous festival weekend with the scheduled fireworks display. We share your disappointment, but we had no alternative.
“A short time prior to the end of the event when the firework technicians were preparing for the display on the Riverside Park, a group of individuals arrived and carried out significant intimidation and threats of violence towards the individuals and despite the presence of several security staff, intimidation and actual physical violence continued to an extent that the fireworks crew could not continue as there were concerns for their safety but also for the general public as a safe launch area could not be assured.
“Given that the Newark Festival weekend had been so successful and enjoyed by many , such an ending was surely not what anyone would have wanted.
“We would hope that the individuals concerned can be identified and will be working with the police to ensure that appropriate action is taken.
“We thank you for your support and hope that you agree with us that, notwithstanding this sad and disgusting incident, Newark Festival was a massive success and provided four days of entertainment and enjoyment for many.
“The weekend overall was possibly one of the best festival weekends Newark has experienced attracting many people from Newark and beyond. It will be essential however to ensure that going forwards such incidents as this do not occur and tarnish the excellent reputation that Newark is growing as a place of destination, cultural events and community activity, all of which help to sustain the town centre and its businesses.”
