ORGANISERS have revealed why a fireworks spectacular has been cancelled for the first time in almost 50 YEARS because of the ongoing pandemic.

Rotary Club bosses, who stage Maldon's fireworks extravaganza in Promenade Park, say they are pulling the plug on this November's event because of coronavirus, but have vowed it will be "back with a bang" next year.

The display is one of the best in Essex and raises money for charities.

Organising committee chairman Brian Farrington said: “We are so disappointed to cancel but with the uncertainty surrounding a second wave and the difficulties of social distancing, it leaves us with no alternative.

“It’s a huge blow to the many charities we support and of course, the many regular visitors to the area and all the families within the local community who attend will miss this opportunity to see such a great firework show in their park.

"But be assured, we will be back with a huge bang on November 6, 2021, and we hope our many supporters will continue to be generous and help us fill all the holes left in the budgets of worthy local and national charities by Covid.”  Maldon Rotary has been staging the displays since 1974 on the weekend nearest to the 5th November.  It attracts about 4,000 spectators a year from all over the county.

All of the volunteers involved in running the event are members of Maldon Rotary or friends of the club.

The pyrotechnics are staged by the award-winning Star Fireworks, and there is also a traditional bonfire and music before the display.