RISING costs have forced the cancellation of a popular fireworks display.

Haddington’s annual display has not taken place over the last two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, with under a month until November 5, volunteers who usually organise the display at Whittingehame Drive have confirmed their attention has now turned to 2023’s event.

A spokesperson said: “The team have been working with East Lothian Council with the help of Haddington Events Group to bring an event to the town this year, albeit on a smaller scale.

“To bring a full safe event – torchlight and bonfire – we need in excess of 30 volunteers.

“We rely entirely on volunteers and, as with many other voluntary organisations, we are finding it increasingly difficult to find these amazing people.

“For those who are not aware, the event is completely self-funded with no financial support from anywhere other than our supporters who pay at the gate and our vendors who come along on the night.

“Sadly, due to price increases, we cannot provide an event for this year.

“I know this will be as disappointing for our supporters as it is for the team but we feel that we cannot take the risk of running at a loss and being unable to provide for future years.

“Normally we would book fireworks displays about a year in advance; we have been unable to do this for the last few years, but we will be booking next year’s in the near future.”