Shropshire attraction's 'beautiful' gesture after fog ruins firework display

A Shropshire attraction has made a “beautiful” gesture after its fireworks evening was spoiled by fog.

Earlier this week thousands of people turned out to Alderford Lake, near Whitchurch, to enjoy a meticulously planned fireworks spectacular.

Unfortunately the event was hit by the thick fog which descended over the county in recent days, leaving crowds unable to enjoy the scores of fireworks arranged for the occasion.

In a heartfelt social media post the business said it had been devastated by the impact of the fog.

But now, in a generous gesture it has moved to make it up to those disappointed by the evening.

The business revealed it would be putting on a second fireworks display, at its own cost, to take place during its Christmas Launch Night on Thursday, November 26, with all those who purchased bonfire tickets able to attend for free.

The announcement has been met with praise from those on social media, with one person describing it as “a beautiful thing to do”.

The lengthy social media post from the Alderford team said: “Thousands of you joined us for our biggest Bonfire Night yet, and everything was going brilliantly… until the fog had other ideas!

“We’d watched the forecast all week, with fog predicted for around 10pm, a good two hours after our final firework display. We’d even made the decision to have a smaller bonfire to minimise smoke and protect visibility.

“We genuinely thought we’d covered all bases. And then the fog arrived TWO HOURS EARLY!

“Our first display was just about visible, but by the second, the fog was so thick that despite the fireworks firing exactly as planned, very little could actually be seen.

“And this is what we really want people to understand.

“We’re not just disappointed. We’re genuinely devastated. Months of planning, countless hours, late nights and early mornings go into these events. To stand there on Saturday night, knowing what was happening in the sky but being unable to see it, was honestly heartbreaking.

“We’ve received some incredibly lovely messages, alongside some understandably disappointed customers. We completely understand that frustration. We’d be disappointed too.”

The business praised the way its staff dealt with the circumstances, adding: “Our staff, contractors and traffic management teams were absolutely outstanding. In incredibly challenging visibility, they worked tirelessly to get thousands of people off site safely.”

Detailing its plans to provide more fireworks later this month, it said: “However, just because something is outside our control doesn’t mean we’re happy with the experience you received. We know what we wanted to deliver, and we know the fog stopped us from delivering the finale you deserved.

“Although the event went ahead and the costs have already been incurred, we don’t want to simply draw a line under what happened and move on.

“We can’t change Saturday night, but we can try to give you something special to look forward to.

“So, after a rather emotional 72+ hours, we’ve decided to do something about it…

“WE’RE BRINGING THE FIREWORKS BACK!

“On Thursday 26th November, we’re holding our Christmas Launch Night at Alderford Lake.

“Normally, it’s a lovely little evening kicking off Christmas with a magical ice skating show, elves, festive music and plenty of Christmas cheer.

“But this year, we’re making it extra special!

“We’re putting on our second firework display AGAIN, entirely at our own cost, weather permitting! And we’re inviting everyone who purchased a Bonfire Night ticket to join us FOR FREE!”

Alderford said it will also be running a free park and ride service for the evening, with parking on hardstanding tarmac rather than grass - with details to come.

The attraction said those who had bonfire night tickets will receive an e-mail link available for 48 hours to claim their tickets.

Those taking up the offer will need to pay a £5 refundable deposit which will be returned after they attend.

More details are available on Alderford’s social media page.