Burntisland Bonfire Night 2020 cancelled

The move comes just days after the cancellation of the annual Burntisland summer shows.

The long-standing event on the Links was shelved because of the restrictions on mass gatherings .

The decision came hot on the heels of the abandonment of Burntisland’s historic Highland Games – and will have a big impact on the town’s tourism trade.

A spokesman for the local authority said: “Burntisland Fair is an extremely popular event and that this will be disappointing for many, but not surprising in the circumstances, with all mass gatherings having been cancelled.”

And now the annual November 5 bonfire and fireworks night, which draws crowds from across the Kingdom, has also been called off.

In a statement given to the town’s community newsletter, The Burgh Buzz, Ailsa Powrie, chairman of Burntisland Events Group, said: “We have been informed by the Council and the Police that it is extremely unlikely that we will get permission to hold the Bonfire Event so we have taken the difficult decision to cancel it.”

Shona Robertson, Fife Council emergency resilience manager, said: "It is the event organiser's decision whether or not to cancel their event.

"However, it is unknown at this time when restrictions around non-essential journeys and social distancing will be completely lifted/relaxed to allow events to take place.

"Although November is some months away, these events require to be planned in advance with the organiser and partners to ensure that they are safe for those attending."

The news was met with dismay by many in the town.

Conservative councillor Kathleen Leslie, who represents Burntisland, Kinghorn and Western Kirkcaldy, said while the news is disappointing for locals and visitors, safety is paramount: "The cancellation of Burntisland Bonfire Night will be a huge disappointment not only for residents but for all the visitors from around Fife who enjoy this hugely successful evening every year,” she said.

“Last year's Bonfire Night was a spectacular show and was only possible due to the work of all the event organisers. Which is exactly why it is right that this year's event is cancelled.

“Safety of everyone has to come first. It is likely that some form of social distancing will still be in place by November and even if the current situation has been completely mitigated, there just would not be the time now to organise it when restrictions are still in place."

Labour councillor Gordon Langlands, who also represents Burntisland, Kinghorn and Western Kirkcaldy, said: “With the previously announced cancellation of Burntisland Civic Week, Highland Games and Funfair this latest cancellation is a hammer blow to economy of the town and also to the volunteers who work tirelessly to put these events on.

“Currently the only remaining large public events possible in 2020 are Remembrance Sunday and the Christmas Market.

“Hopefully the various volunteer committees will not be beaten by this virus and will continue the great work they do for the town, returning next year to put on their usual outstanding programme of events.”

Councillor Lesley Backhouse, who is the SNP member for the same ward, added: “It's a great disappointment that we have had to cancel the bonfire but it is sensible in the current climate given that we know that covid spreads very quickly when there are large crowds of people together.”