THOUSANDS of people who attended a fireworks display at Sixways Stadium are being offered free tickets to Worcester Warriors next home game after the show had to be cancelled.
Organisers have blamed an unpredictable change in wind direction which saw half a dozen pieces of firework debris land off course and start small fires around the ground on Saturday (November 2).
Although they were quickly brought under control by fire crews it was decided it would be unsafe for the display to continue and the final five minutes were scrapped.
Brian Ryan, Warriors head of operations, said they had to consider the safety of spectators and motorists travelling along the M5 and A449 when deciding whether or not to cancel the show.
“Eleven minutes into the 16-minute firework display, six pieces of firework debris were blown off-course due to an unpredictable change in wind direction,” he said.
“The debris landed within an exclusion zone in the stadium and at a very safe distance from any spectators.
“With immediate effect, the fireworks were stopped using a pre-determined procedure as set-out in our event management and contingency plan. The fire service was called immediately as a precautionary measure.
“At this time spectators were advised via the stadium PA system to remain in their seats while the situation was being assessed and to allow ease of access for the fire service into the complex.
“The fire service attended and inspected all areas in which the debris had fallen, and took precautionary measures to ensure there was no risk of fire ignition within the areas affected.
“At this stage it was decided that the remainder of the show would not go ahead.”
Mr Ryan thanked everyone who attended the event and saw the majority of the show for their co-operation.
The club is offering a like-for-like ticket to this month’s LV= Cup clash with Leicester Tigers on Friday, November 15.
Spectators are asked to retain their firework display tickets and exchange them at the Sixways Box Office.
