The fireworks display planned for St Ives on New Year’s Eve is being postponed. The decision follows discussions with Cornwall Council and input from the public health team, in light of the current situation with the spread of the Omicron variant.
St Ives BID, which sponsors the fireworks, hopes to reschedule the display for next year, potentially to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The decision reflects the sharp increase in cases of Omicron being recorded, and government advice for individuals to act thoughtfully about social gatherings in order to help limit the spread of the virus and reduce pressures on the NHS.
BID and St Ives Town Council will keep in place additional medical cover organised for the town on 31st December, along with the increased CCTV services, to help support revellers visiting the town centre that evening. Restaurants and bars remain open, but advance booking is required at most venues.
BID is asking people to avoid large gatherings in the streets, and for everyone celebrating New Year’s Eve to follow all government guidelines, act responsibly, and to be respectful of others at all times.
St Ives BID manager, Sarah Stevens, said: “Whilst we are disappointed not to go ahead with fireworks this New Year’s Eve, our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our community, and the people who visit St Ives.
“We look forward to working with our stakeholders and partners to ensure 2022 showcases St Ives as brightly as ever, and wish everyone a safe and restful Christmas and New Year.”
St Ives BID is working closely with a wider partnership to help support local businesses, residents, and visitors and to share the latest information and covernment guidelines on Covid-19 safety precautions. You can visit BID’s new information web page to stay updated. Tourism and hospitality businesses can find advice and information about NHS Covid passes, as well as posters and helpful tools to promote mask wearing.
Everyone living in and visiting St Ives is asked to help play their part by wearing face coverings in indoor spaces, taking regular lateral flow tests, staying at home if they test positive for Covid or if they experience Covid symptoms, and ensuring they get their Covid booster vaccine. Details of booster clinics being held locally are also available on the BID’s website information page.
