Councillor Proposes Reinstating Bonfire Night Event with Common Good Fund
During a recent full council meeting, Councillor Jon Molyneux put forth a proposal to utilize the Common Good Fund to help finance Bonfire Night celebrations at Glasgow Green. This suggestion aimed to bring back the annual civic fireworks display that had been absent in the city for some time.
Opposing this idea, Councillor Annette Christie expressed concerns about the financial strain it could place on the Common Good Fund. She highlighted that while funding the display was theoretically possible, it would add pressure to the already stretched resources of the fund. Christie referenced an independent review of Glasgow’s winter events program, which had resulted in the reallocation of funds from the fireworks display to other winter events in the city.
One of the key factors contributing to the hesitation in reinstating the fireworks display was the significant increase in costs associated with safety and security measures. Following the last event in 2019, Police Scotland recommended heightened security measures, alongside rising inflation impacting core infrastructure and pyrotechnics costs. The estimated cost of organizing the Glasgow fireworks display was projected to be around £350,000, a substantial sum that needed careful consideration.
Despite the challenges posed by the cost implications, Councillor Molyneux emphasized the council’s earlier agreement that Glasgow Life should work towards reviving the public Bonfire Night event. He also pointed out that the Civic Hospitality Budget was currently underutilized, suggesting that there might be an opportunity to allocate funds for the fireworks display from this budget.
In response to Molyneux’s proposal, Councillor Christie remained firm in her stance against using the Common Good Fund for the fireworks display. She expressed her preference for redirecting the funds towards supporting local artists and community engagement initiatives. Christie underlined that while technically possible to draw funds from the Common Good Fund, she did not find it personally appropriate given the fund’s intended purposes.
Following the council meeting, Councillor Molyneux expressed his disappointment at the SNP convener’s refusal to reinstate the fireworks display at Glasgow Green, despite the earlier unanimous agreement by the council to explore this option. He raised concerns about the democratic implications of disregarding the council’s decision and highlighted the public’s strong support for the event, as well as the backing of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Glasgow Life had previously confirmed the decision not to host Bonfire Night celebrations at Glasgow Green, citing environmental considerations and reduced disruption to local residents as the primary reasons. The alternative approach adopted by Glasgow Life aimed to promote a more sustainable and community-friendly festive season, focusing on a broader range of events and activities throughout the winter period.
Looking ahead, Glasgow Life planned to unveil a comprehensive festive entertainment program that would attract visitors to the city and showcase Glasgow’s shopping, events, and nightlife. The organization aimed to engage the community and visitors alike in a diverse range of activities, enhancing the overall festive experience in the city.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding the reinstatement of the Bonfire Night event at Glasgow Green highlighted the complexities of balancing tradition, community engagement, and financial considerations. While there were differing opinions on how best to allocate resources and organize events, the overarching goal remained to provide a vibrant and inclusive festive experience for residents and visitors to enjoy. As the discussions continued, it was evident that finding a solution that satisfied all stakeholders would require careful consideration and collaboration among the council members, Glasgow Life, and the community at large.