Ally Pally’s family favourite fireworks axed to save money
Fireworks night at Alexandra Palace, one of London's most popular displays, has been cancelled because of lack of funds.
The November show, which cost £63,000 last year, attracts up to 40,000 people but the north London venue's trustees, Haringey councillors, say urgent repairs to the building must take priority in today's economic climate.
This year's show was expected to cost up to £100,000 because of tougher health and safety requirements. Councillor Pat Egan said: "It was a real struggle to come to this decision, as it is a really well-supported community event."
Lynne Featherstone, Lib-Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, said she hoped alternative funding could be found. Justin Hinchcliffe, spokesman for Haringey Tories, said: "Years of financial mismanagement by Labour-run Haringey are now taking their toll."
Alexandra Palace Trading Limited, which raised cash for the display last year with a beer festival and funfair, hopes to stage an alternative event.