Laser lights replaced the bang of Fireworks in West London. Credit: Flora Murray.
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Hammersmith and Fulham Council has opted for an ‘eco and pet-friendly’ alternative to fireworks this Bonfire Night. This was in response to local complaints about pollution and animal safety.
The new ‘laser light shows’ in Ravenscourt Park and Bishop’s Park featured sky-trackers, flames and special effects, set to film and television scores. The non-firework displays were the largest of their kind in London.
Councillor Sharon Holder told City News “the new format reflects Hammersmith and Fulham’s ambition to become net zero carbon by 2030.”
In 2022, Hammersmith & Fulham cancelled its firework displays, citing “disruption to neighbours” and environmental concerns.
Some residents also praised the event’s efforts to reduce air pollution and fire hazards. Attendee Jan Evans said: “I love fireworks, but I don’t think they’re a good idea. But this is a lot safer. I wouldn’t have come otherwise.”
Air pollution quadruples on Bonfire Night in the UK, making it the most polluting evening of the year. This occurs when gunpowder in fireworks emit sulphur compounds and metal oxides and smoke from bonfires build up in the atmosphere.
Researchers at the University of East London also found that firework displays cause a significant rise in microplastics in the River Thames.
Laser lights replaced the bang of fireworks. Credit: Flora Murray.
Veterinary surgeon Claire Prideaux also welcomed the new format as a safe alternative for wildlife and pets:
“There’s something good about the community spirit of a big fireworks evening. If a laser show can be as inclusive or as fun as this then it’s a great alternative.”
However, many attendees have since criticised Hammersmith and Fulham’s laser events, calling them overpriced, underwhelming and – in some cases – confusing.
Keri Atkinson, who attended with her partner and young child, told City News: “In terms of an actual visual display, we were very underwhelmed…It didn’t make much sense.”
Tom Rowland, a photographer and artist, wrote on X: “This was absolutely lame. Everyone in the crowd talking about what a terrible display. Bring back the fireworks!”
This was absolutely lame. Everyone in the crowd talking about what a terrible display. Bring back the fireworks!
On Instagram, Emma Smith commented: “We went on the Friday and it was pretty rubbish. The light display was poor with a strange selection of music. Such a shame as was a really good idea but poorly executed.”
Children took the best view to watch the laser light spectacle. Credit: Flora Murray
Firework alternatives such as lasers and drones are gaining popularity globally, but these events mark the first adoption by a London council.
Laser light shows are marketed as a cost-effective alternative to firework displays, as the production cost is split over multiple shows per night.
It is not known how much Hammersmith and Fulham Council spent on the displays.
Outside the borough, six Bonfire Night events were cancelled this year due to budget issues, including in Hackney, Lewisham, Kingston and Bromley.
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HeadlineHammersmith and Fulham takes the bang out of bonfire
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StandfirstHammersmith and Fulham Council's new 'laser light' Bonfire Night receives mixed reviews
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has opted for an ‘eco and pet-friendly’ alternative to fireworks this Bonfire Night. This was in response to local complaints about pollution and animal safety.
The new ‘laser light shows’ in Ravenscourt Park and Bishop’s Park featured sky-trackers, flames and special effects, set to film and television scores. The non-firework displays were the largest of their kind in London.
Councillor Sharon Holder told City News “the new format reflects Hammersmith and Fulham’s ambition to become net zero carbon by 2030.”
In 2022, Hammersmith & Fulham cancelled its firework displays, citing “disruption to neighbours” and environmental concerns.
Some residents also praised the event’s efforts to reduce air pollution and fire hazards. Attendee Jan Evans said: “I love fireworks, but I don’t think they’re a good idea. But this is a lot safer. I wouldn’t have come otherwise.”
Air pollution quadruples on Bonfire Night in the UK, making it the most polluting evening of the year. This occurs when gunpowder in fireworks emit sulphur compounds and metal oxides and smoke from bonfires build up in the atmosphere.
Researchers at the University of East London also found that firework displays cause a significant rise in microplastics in the River Thames.
Laser lights replaced the bang of fireworks. Credit: Flora Murray.
Veterinary surgeon Claire Prideaux also welcomed the new format as a safe alternative for wildlife and pets:
“There’s something good about the community spirit of a big fireworks evening. If a laser show can be as inclusive or as fun as this then it’s a great alternative.”
However, many attendees have since criticised Hammersmith and Fulham’s laser events, calling them overpriced, underwhelming and – in some cases – confusing.
Keri Atkinson, who attended with her partner and young child, told City News: “In terms of an actual visual display, we were very underwhelmed…It didn’t make much sense.”
Tom Rowland, a photographer and artist, wrote on X: “This was absolutely lame. Everyone in the crowd talking about what a terrible display. Bring back the fireworks!”
This was absolutely lame. Everyone in the crowd talking about what a terrible display. Bring back the fireworks!
On Instagram, Emma Smith commented: “We went on the Friday and it was pretty rubbish. The light display was poor with a strange selection of music. Such a shame as was a really good idea but poorly executed.”
Children took the best view to watch the laser light spectacle. Credit: Flora Murray
Firework alternatives such as lasers and drones are gaining popularity globally, but these events mark the first adoption by a London council.
Laser light shows are marketed as a cost-effective alternative to firework displays, as the production cost is split over multiple shows per night.
It is not known how much Hammersmith and Fulham Council spent on the displays.
Outside the borough, six Bonfire Night events were cancelled this year due to budget issues, including in Hackney, Lewisham, Kingston and Bromley.
