Corby's community-led firework display, due to be held on November 5, has been cancelled after a safety expert questioned plans for emergency evacuation and the number of exits.

Organised in two months by resident Syl Rielly and a committee, the event hosted at S&L Rugby Club and S&L Football Club was to use the pitches off Occupation Road for a commemoration and celebration of four Corby residents who tragically died this year.

Yesterday (Monday) during an online meeting, organisers were told their paperwork was in order but were told the number of people attending the free event had to be reduced as in an emergency the proposed exits would not allow people to leave safely.

Volunteers organise huge free firework display for Corby after regular event was...

Syl Rielly organiser of the community Corby Fireworks display /IMG

Today (Tuesday) the decision was made to cancel the free event, leaving organisers furious and angry.

Ms Rielly said: “I can’t believe it, I’m fuming. I’m furious, he’s cancelling it over a gate! There’s not an issue with the paperwork. Everything has been put in place. They said ‘whoever did this paperwork has done really well’."

Issues have arisen with the evacuation procedure and the capacity, and number of gates to be used.

Ms Rielly said: “We said we’ve got five gates, he said we’ve got three.”

A council-run event had previously been held at Corby Boating Lake for more than 50 years but it was scrapped in May by North Northants Council (NNC) after costs spiralled to £45,000. Corby-based Reform NNC councillors had objected to the decision, which was made by the executive team.

Private sponsorship and public donations entirely from Corby raised £14,000, boosted by donations from the public.

Cllr Helen Campbell, who had been part of the organising group, said: “It is incredibly disappointing. So many people have worked hard to pull it together and we really were all systems go for a fantastic community event. I'd like to thank our hosts S&L RFC and all the fantastic local people and businesses who came together in true Corby fashion to continue this tradition in Corby. But without sign off by the fire service for the numbers expected, we could not go ahead.”

The entire event was due to be held in memory of those who have tragically died in the town this year including Max Hall, Paisley McNamee, Danielle Sharpe and Ella Walden.

Max’s mum Jackie Hall said: “We are absolutely devastated and incredibly disappointed to hear that Light Up the Sky, the fireworks event being held in memory of Max, Paisley, Ella and Danielle, has been cancelled at such short notice following a disagreement regarding safety exits.

“The amount of time, effort and dedication that Syl Reilly and her team have put into organising this event has been nothing short of incredible.

"Their intention was to bring our community together after what has been a truly devastating year for so many families, to create an evening of joy, happiness and togetherness, while also remembering our children and everyone who has sadly lost their lives this year.

“These fireworks have been the talk of the town. So many people were looking forward to coming together, supporting the event and sharing what was meant to be a really special evening. The disappointment will be felt not just by the families directly involved, but by the whole community.

“For those of us remembering children who should still be here, this event meant so much more than fireworks. It was about keeping their names alive, bringing people together and creating something positive out of unimaginable heartache.”

Jackie added: “We fully appreciate that safety must always come first, and nobody would want an event to go ahead if it wasn’t safe to do so. However, it is incredibly upsetting that, after so much hard work and planning, matters have reached this point at such short notice.

“Quite simply, it doesn’t feel fair, and it doesn’t feel right that something intended to bring so much happiness, unity and remembrance to our community has ended this way.

“Our thanks go to Syl and everyone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Their efforts, kindness and commitment should not be overshadowed by this outcome. They set out to do something truly special for our town and, regardless of the cancellation, that deserves recognition.

“Max, Paisley, Ella and Danielle deserve to be remembered, celebrated and spoken about. That was always what this event was about.”

The memorial event may be held in December. A full refund has been given to organisers from the fireworks company.