Fireworks organisers issue apology over 'shockingly poor' display
Organisers of the display have issued a statement after many attendees reported being unable to see the show.
Organisers of an Exeter fireworks display have issued an apology after fog and fireworks smoke left its drone show and pyrotechnics “unviewable”.
Hundreds of locals flocked to the sold-out event at Westpoint, Exeter, on Saturday, November 7, having paid up to £11 a ticket.
It is understood that a combination of weather and a delayed start time meant there was an increased amount of “thick” fog and smoke in the display area.
Attendees took to social media to share their feedback on the night, with one local calling the show “easily the weakest display [they’ve] seen”.
Another said the “whole thing felt very poorly planned to be honest, imagine having a drone show and no one can see a single drone”.
Exeter Round Table, who organised the display, said the event would be the “largest pyro-musical fireworks display in the South West”, with a soundtrack organised by former British Fireworks Champions and 300 drones - some carrying their own pyrotechnics.
The display was paused on the night after “just five to 10 minutes” according to one spectator, who said they “genuinely hoped” the organisers learnt “some lessons” from an attempt described by another as “shockingly poor”.
Exeter Round Table posted on social media on Sunday, November 8, to share its disappointment.
“Thick fog, plus smoke that couldn’t clear because there was almost no wind, sat right above the display,” it said.
“That meant the drone show couldn’t be seen, and neither could a lot of the low-level fireworks. The team worked incredibly hard to put this show together, and it’s gutting that so much of it was hidden.
“We can do a lot of planning, but we can’t control the weather.”
Some who attended the display said they were willing to overlook the issues as the event was organised, in part, to raise money for local charities.
It is understood that £55,000 was raised on the night for Devon Air Ambulance - a figure one attendee praised as “incredible”.
“I think we’re all forgetting that [money] was raised for an incredible cause - a cause that may one day save your life,” they said.
Exeter Round Table says it is “huge[ly] thankful for everyone who bought a ticket, “even if [they] couldn’t see all of it”.
“We’ll be back next year, and we’re hoping for clearer skies,” it said.