SOUTHWARK Council has said there are “no plans” for its fireworks display to return as it’s now been cancelled for the third year in a row.

The event, which annually takes place at Southwark Park, is called off due to the cost-of-living crisis and “coupled” with the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.  

Councillor Catherine Rose said it will now use its resources to protect "essential" services that support residents and businesses. 

The display was also cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the event’s “high costs”.  

In 2021, a spokesperson for Southwark Council said it cannot “justify” spending £100,000 of public money due to the impact of Covid.

It would have been the 16th year Southwark has hosted the event, which is free to all those who live in the borough.  

Catherine said: “Southwark Council has made a decision not to hold a fireworks display this year, or going forward.  

“The Cost of Living crisis, coupled with the fallout from Covid-19 means we have a duty to protect essential services that support residents and businesses.  

“We will be using our resources for this, and to support our parks all year round.  

“We know that as a community you will understand the sense in this decision, and thank you for that.” 

A spokesperson for Southwark Council said in 2021: "We're sorry to say that after careful consideration, Southwark Council will not be holding a fireworks display in 2021. 

"The impact of COVID-19 on the borough and the public purse means that the council just cannot justify spending £100,000 of public money on this event. 

"We know some residents will be disappointed by this decision, but I hope they understand that the council needs to focus all its resources and energies on supporting residents and businesses in the most effective way, as we recover from the pandemic.”

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