A CITY centre firework display which was intended to top off an evening of Christmas festivities had to be cancelled at the eleventh hour because of health and safety fears, organisers have said.

The display, which would have bookended a night when thousands of people came into the centre of Colchester for the Christmas lights switch-on, was cancelled shortly before 7.30pm because of high winds.

One visitor, Kerrie Chadwick, said on Facebook: “We waited for fireworks, only to be told that there were no fireworks!

“Why couldn't they have announced that a lot earlier and not two minutes before they were due?

“Very disappointed child waiting for them.”

Gazette: Mobbed – thousands of people were in Lion Walk on Wednesday for the Christmas lights switch-onMobbed – thousands of people were in Lion Walk on Wednesday for the Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Dynamic Fireworks, who had organised the show, said high winds could have caused debris to fall onto the crowds, and Martin Leatherdale, the managing director of Lion Walk Shopping Centre, said health and safety rules had to be adhered to.

Mr Leatherdale continued by saying the omission of the fireworks did not put a dampener on the occasion, with more than 40,000 people passing through the city centre on Wednesday for the switch-on event.

He said: “The decision was made by the experts at Dynamic Fireworks, and we have to accept their advice and respect the science behind their last-minute decision.

“Ultimately, public safety comes first and there must be zero risk to the fireworks fallout zones affecting the crowds.

“The roof winds were directed exactly over the crowd and [the decision] would have likely been very different had the wind been in any other direction.

“Of course, we will always learn and grow for future events, but we will never compromise on firework safety.”

Gazette: Technical issues – some visitors said they struggled to hear the vocals when Cushti performed on WednesdayTechnical issues – some visitors said they struggled to hear the vocals when Cushti performed on Wednesday (Image: Steve Brading)

Natalie Sommers, Colchester Council’s portfolio holder for communities, added that the event had still been “a resounding success”.

She said: “It was the busiest Christmas event ever held and a great boost for the city centre and local businesses.

“We would like to thank everyone who came along and made the evening such a huge success.”

The concert, which involved Essex band Cushti, also received some criticism on social media for sound issues, but Mr Leatherdale added it was still “very much enjoyed by many thousands of people”.