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Annual Fireworks –  Update

This year, our annual fireworks event will not be going ahead in the same format as previous years. We understand how much this event means to everyone. It has been a Sandwell tradition for many years and has been a hugely positive way to bring the community together.

Earlier this year we adopted our Animal Welfare Charter which committed us to limiting the use of fireworks. The high noise levels of fireworks can have negative impacts and cause distress to animals, and to continue with our own council-organised fireworks event as before would not have been in keeping with the intention of our new Charter.

In addition to this, the cost of delivering a safe fireworks event has increased significantly above inflation over the last two years. Given the impact of the cost of living crisis we recognise that ticket prices for council-run events need to be affordable.

We do not consider it feasible to deliver a fireworks event that would be in line with our commitments in the Animal Welfare Charter and recover the cost of running the event whilst meeting the expectations of attendees at an affordable ticket price.

As a result, we have considered our options and are excited to announce a new partnership with Walk the Plank, a world-renowned artistic company who offer a fresh and creative alternative to our traditional fireworks gathering while staying true to our values.

The Fire Garden will be a blazing installation of unique fire sculptures that will transform Sandwell Valley Victorian Garden into a landscape of warmth and wonder, taking place Friday 8 November and Saturday 9 November 2024. This new event is a family-friendly immersive experience perfect for all ages showcasing intricate hand-crafted fire sculptures and visual artistry.

We hope you will join us during the two-day event to celebrate art and community in a new creative way.