Boom! Thousands enjoy free fireworks display in Dudley
Thousands of residents in Dudley took to their doorsteps to enjoy a free firework and lighting display which lit up the sky across the whole borough.
The seven-minute display saw fireworks set off from six undisclosed locations across Dudley at 8pm on Thursday, with residents encouraged to watch from the safety of their homes.
It was accompanied by music people could listen to by tuning into Black Country Radio, and also streamed live on social media.
Dudley Council moved to put on the free event after the popular Himley Bonfire, which attracts up to 20,000 people every year, had to be cancelled for safety reasons due to Covid-19.
Before the fireworks display, a number of key buildings across the borough were lit up to pay tribute to the work of frontline staff in the fight against coronavirus. It included Russells Hall Hospital, which was illuminated with a sign thanking the NHS.
Alongside the fireworks and lighting display, the council has also launched a text donation service to help in the fight against Covid-19. Monies donated will be split between Russells Hall Hospital and the Mayor of Dudley’s three chosen charities – St John Ambulance Dudley, Victim Support Dudley and Black Country Foodbank, all of whom have been directly involved in the fight against the pandemic.
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley Council's cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "After the year we have all had, and with the cancellation of the Himley bonfire, we wanted to do something positive to bring a little light into people’s lives.
"We also wanted to say thank you to the frontline heroes in the NHS and social care, the ones who have put their lives on the line to protect the most vulnerable people in the borough.
"The display was absolutely amazing and it’s been great to hear so many people were able to see it. The positive feedback we have received really does make it all worthwhile.
"If you enjoyed it, it would be great if you could consider donating to very worthy causes through the text donation line we have set up."
To donate text DUDLEY plus the amount you would like to donate to 70450. Texts cost the amount of your donation plus one standard rate message.
