The city of Launceston could be left without an official New Year’s Eve celebration, after Royal Eve organisers confirmed “uncertainties” over the event’s future.
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Vibestown’s Jesse Higgs said organisers received backlash after the 9.30pm twilight fireworks were delayed until 10.20pm on Sunday, due to strong winds.
Mr Higgs said the decision to postpone the fireworks was made over safety concerns and the committee defended its decision.
“In light of what occurred in NSW, I think we definitely made the right call,” he said.
“Our decision was 100 per cent motivated by the safety of everyone there.
“We had the go ahead to let them off between 9.30pm and 10.30pm but we had to wait until the right conditions.
“It is mother nature and unfortunately that’s out of our control.”
During a 9pm fireworks display on the Central Coast of NSW, thousands of people were evacuated from a beach after a barge carrying fireworks caught fire.
At 9.30pm Sunday, winds of 19km/h were recorded in Launceston, with gusts of 30km/h.
Mr Higgs said the committee had done the best job it could to put on another fantastic New Year’s Eve event, but there were some doubts over whether is would return in 2018.
“It is safe to say, Vibestown are concerned about the future of Royal Eve,” he said.
“We are really appreciative of the opportunity to put on a New Year’s event and we would like to see it continue, but there are some uncertainties.”
Mr Higgs said despite the backlash, people seemed to enjoy the event, which attracted crowds of about 7000.
The midnight fireworks went ahead on schedule.