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Funding concerns after unexpected firecrackers set off at Perth’s Chinese New Year event

Perth and Kinross Council was asked to grant £4,875 towards the celebrations.

Chinese New Year celebrations in Perth in January 2023.
Chinese New Year celebrations in Perth in January 2023. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

A call has been made for tighter control of events funded by Perth and Kinross Council.

The call came after complaints were made about the use of firecrackers at this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations in Perth.

Perth City North councillor Brian Leishman raised the concern as Perth Common Good Fund Committee was asked to grant £4,875 towards the celebrations.

The event took place on January 23. This week the committee was asked by Perth Chinese Association to provide financial support from Perth’s Common Good Fund. The total cost of the project was estimated to be £12,854.

Councillor Leishman and SNP Perth City Centre councillor Eric Drysdale are both tabling a motion – going before councillors – in May 2023 to restrict the use of fireworks.

Both councillors raised concern about unexpected explosives at the event.

‘Quite a few complaints’ about firecrackers

Mr Leishman began by praising Chinese cultural celebrations and said: “They are good for shops, cafés, restaurants and local businesses. So the more inclusive family events that we have the better.”

The Chinese New Year celebrations included a parade along the High Street.
The celebrations included a parade along the High Street. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

He then added: “I received quite a few complaints regarding the use of firecrackers at the event.

“People had no prior notification there would be firecrackers as part of the celebrations. This lack of communication can mean serious implications for people with sensory issues and for local pet owners.

“I was contacted by numerous residents who were negatively affected and it was sheer good fortune that in one instance a dog was reunited with its owner after being so scared by the noise and explosions it ran away.”

Apology from organisers

While he accepted an apology issued by organisers who said they were not aware firecrackers were going to be used, he said: “It’s incumbent on us that all future organisers who are applying in future for grants to be completely in command of events.”

Convener Andrew Parrott said: “My understanding is there was no prior notification to council events staff that there would be firecrackers or fireworks and that was remiss of the organisers.

“And we can ask for better coordination in future.

“Your point is well made and am sure can be taken into account when future applications are made.”

‘Prior approval’ needed for firecrackers

SNP deputy council leader Eric Drysdale agreed with Mr Leishman.

He said: “We really do need to tighten up on the control of these events and ensure there are no unexpected firecrackers, fireworks or anything like that, that are being set off without prior approval and knowledge of the council.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Barrett however was impressed by the large crowds at this year’s Chinese New Year gathering.

He said: “I have not seen throngs on the High Street for some time. I thought it was a tremendous spectacle, a tremendous occasion and was a really good fun day out for the vast majority of people that attended so I am very happy to support this.

“I do think that some of us are maybe perhaps getting a wee bit carried away in advance of having a policy on fireworks with regards to the incident that happened towards the end of the event.”

Depute Provost Parrott agreed and said: “I think the event – given the criticism which has been properly made – was a fantastic success.”

Conversation