ORGANISERS behind last year’s 60-second fireworks spectacular has scrapped this November’s display because it would be pointless.
The event in Oban became a worldwide sensation after fireworks that were supposed to last more than half an hour were ignited in a minute-long pyrotechnic frenzy.
But anyone hoping for a repeat on Saturday night is in for a disappointment as this year will see a “retro” Guy Fawkes night with bonfires, turnip lanterns and dookin’ for apples.
A local councillor today admitted there was no way they could compete with last year’s unintentional spectacular – so they are not even going to try.
Last year’s display, which was organised by company Pyro 1, involved fireworks worth £6000 which were supposed to be fired over 40 minutes.
But a technical glitch caused the entire cache of rockets to explode in a matter of seconds.
The event – subsequently dubbed “Obang! – scored more than a million hits on YouTube as was hailed as “literally the best in the world”.
Comments on the site included: “I thought this was just awesome looking. I don’t care if it was short.”
Another wrote: “Probably the best firework display ever!!”
An envious Welsh viewer observed: “All fireworks displays should be like that! The ones in Cardiff this year dragged about ten minutes worth out over a long, cold half hour.”
Organisers have decided that as there is no way to top last year’s event, revellers will instead be treated to a “good old fashioned bonfire”.
Louise Glen Lee, lead councillor for Oban and the Isles, said: “Last year’s fireworks display was one of my first public events as a newly elected councillor, and it certainly ensured that my term started with a bang!
“[But] we couldn’t even begin to compete with last year’s extravaganza so we aren’t even going to try.
“This year we are focusing on bringing the community together around a good old fashioned bonfire with lots of other traditional activities like a fancy dress competition, turnip lanterns and dookin’ for apples.
“Everyone is welcome on Saturday – it should be a great night out.”
Immediately after last year’s fiery fiasco, Pyro 1, whose Scottish office is in Edinburgh, apologised and organised a second display.
Martin Allen, operations director at Pyro1, said at the time: “We were devastated when our display for Oban quite literally went off with a bang and immediately held our hands up.
“Our new show, the Obang display, is a homage to Oban and has been introduced as a result of this new demand for a short, high-impact, dramatic display.”
A spokesman for Pyro 1 confirmed they were not involved in this year’s event.
