A local dog charity has welcomed a move to use quieter fireworks at the annual Christmas Light Switch On in Stafford.

The lights will be turned on this Saturday (22nd) following live music and entertainment in the heart of the county town.

And the spectacular firework display will illuminate the sky above the town just after 5pm accompanied by a musical compilation from the stage in the Market Square. But this year the fireworks used will be quieter - a move that has been welcomed by a dog rescue charity.

Anne Marie Kitt, Founder of Boycie’s Bridge Dog Rescue, said: “We would be overjoyed to see how displays can be amazing and enjoyable, without the heartache and devastation the traditional type of fireworks can cause.

“It’s an awful time of year for anyone who owns a pet who is anxious with fireworks noise. Many have to go so far as to medicate pets to help calm them, they can become so frantic it causes collapses, seizures and other physical health issues.

“Although fireworks have been around for many years, they have increased in volume and some of the bangs are extremely loud, far louder than years gone by. It’s not just our pets that are affected, wildlife, horses and farm animals regularly lose their lives through frantically trying to escape from fireworks.”

Stars of this year’s Stafford Gatehouse panto, Sleeping Beauty, will join the Mayor of Stafford Borough, Councillor Jenny Barron, and Father Christmas on stage to launch what is seen as the traditional countdown to Christmas Day.

The afternoon event will include live music and street entertainment before the lights are turned on and the fireworks launched. The band will then return to stage to keep the crowd singing and dancing in the town’s Market Square.

The festive extravaganza, managed by Freedom Leisure, attracts more than 10,000 into the ‘Square’ and surrounding streets - providing the “perfect showcase” for Stafford.

Giant video screens will make sure everyone has a good view of the event - although organisers are urging people to arrive early, as the main area in Market Square will be temporarily closed from 4.45pm for safety reasons.

Boycie’s Bridge is a not-for-profit organisation based in Stafford. They take in a small number of homeless dogs from the area and find them new homes.

Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure at the Borough Council said: “We will still have the fabulous array of colourful fireworks decorating the sky with the specially arranged soundtrack to go with them. There’s going to be plenty of entertainment from 2pm and live music on stage as always leading up to, and after, the lights being switched on so we hope the thousands watching will have a fantastic time.”

Information about the event can be found from the Freedom leisure website Christmas Light Switch on | Freedom Leisure

Press Release No 6251