Storm aftermath prompts backing for Horsham fireworks decision
A photograph showing a fallen tree across a bridge – used by crowds leaving Horsham’s fireworks display – has prompted support for the decision to cancel this year’s event.
Visit Horsham shared an image of the bridge, linking St Mary’s church and primary school to the cricket ground – after storms battered Sussex over the weekend.
The organisation – which has promoted the historic market town since 2006 – said some people had questioned Horsham Sports Club’s decision to call off its fireworks display because of the forecast.
“This bridge normally becomes congested with large queues of people leaving the fireworks,” Visit Horsham’s Facebook post read.
“We know HSC would not have taken the cancellation decision lightly, and it would have a large financial impact on them.
“As this image demonstrates, they were right to put public safety first.”
The photograph was credited to Jamie ‘Stan’ Stanley.
Horsham Sports Club’s display had been scheduled for Saturday, October 24. Organisers announced its cancellation on October 20, after consulting event partners and the authorities about forecasts of strong winds and heavy rain.
The club said protecting visitors, volunteers, traders and its event team had to take priority. It described the display as one of its biggest annual fundraising events.
The photograph emerged after a weekend of disruption which began on Friday, October 23, when Storm Austen brought down trees and affected roads and railways across Sussex.
Further severe weather followed over Saturday and Sunday as Storm Boelo affected Sussex.
Horsham Sports Club has promised full ticket refunds. Eventbrite bookings will be refunded automatically, while anyone who bought tickets directly from the club should take them to its office between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.