Glasgow’s Fireworks Display Could Finally Be Making a Comeback

Remember when Bonfire Night in Glasgow meant bundling up in your thickest coat, grabbing a hot drink, and heading down to Glasgow Green to watch the sky erupt? Well, after a long and gloomy absence since 2019, there’s talk that the city’s annual fireworks display might just be making a long-overdue return — and frankly, it's about time.

What’s the deal?

Glasgow Life — the organisation that usually handles the city’s cultural events — has confirmed it's looking into the feasibility of bringing back a public fireworks display this year. And while it might not be the all-singing, all-dancing mega-show of the pre-2020 era, it’s still a big deal.

The plan on the table? A more modest, lower-cost event that still manages to deliver a great night. It would remain free to attend (a rarity these days), take place around Bonfire Night, and crucially, still pack a punch in terms of atmosphere and community spirit.

Why Did It Disappear in the First Place?

If you’re wondering where the fireworks went, it wasn’t just the pandemic that shut things down. Back in 2019, the last show lit up Glasgow Green with a crowd of around 25,000 people. But since then, rising costs, security demands, and budget squeezes have kept the event on ice.

To give you a sense of scale, the traditional full-blown display would now cost about £330,000 to pull off — with a big chunk of that going on safety and security. That includes things like police presence, ambulance provision, fencing, and hostile vehicle mitigation (yes, that’s a real thing and no, it’s not cheap).

What’s the New Plan?

Glasgow Life is now exploring a scaled-down version of the event, possibly funded through the Common Good Fund, with a tentative budget of around £100,000. Still not small change, but a lot more palatable than the full-fat version.

What’s especially encouraging is that the event, if it goes ahead, would still be free and open to the public. There’s talk of exploring other venues too — not necessarily returning to Glasgow Green. This opens up possibilities for neighbourhood displays, which could actually bring fireworks closer to home for many Glaswegians.

Glasgow Life chair Annette Christie made it clear that while the financial and logistical challenges are still very real, they’re pushing hard to make it happen.

Why It Matters

Bringing back a public fireworks display isn’t just about loud bangs and pretty lights — although let’s be honest, that’s a big part of the fun. It’s also about community, tradition, and offering an inclusive alternative to private fireworks.

Local councillors, including Jon Molyneux of the Green Party, are backing the plan, stressing how much it would mean to Glaswegians and how helpful it could be for the fire service too — not to mention the overall reduction in antisocial behaviour that a central event tends to encourage.

A Look at What’s Possible

It’s worth noting that many other towns and cities across the UK have continued to host successful and safe displays with more modest budgets. With the right planning and community support, there’s no reason Glasgow can’t pull off something truly special — even on a smaller scale.

And hey, a smaller budget doesn’t mean a smaller impact. At Epic Fireworks, we know that with the right planning, even a tighter budget can still blow socks off. The key is experience, creativity, and the kind of pyrotechnic flair Glasgow’s long been famous for.

Check out our other articles all about putting on a great fireworks display on a budget.

The Takeaway

Glasgow might not get its pre-pandemic extravaganza back just yet — but the signs are positive. The conversation is happening, the plans are forming, and most importantly, the will is there.

So here’s hoping the city can reclaim its sky this November, and give Glaswegians of all ages a proper chance to ooh, aah, and cheer once again.

And if you’re reading this from elsewhere in the UK thinking “I want some of that magic on my doorstep,” don’t forget — with the right gear and a bit of know-how (which we’re always happy to provide), your back garden fireworks can be just as dazzling.

Watch this space, Glasgow. The sky might just be yours again soon.

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Here at Epic Fireworks, we’re your go-to for everything you need to put on an awesome fireworks display. Whether it’s for Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali, or any other special occasion, we’ve got you covered with the biggest range of the UK's most powerful consumer fireworks, from sparklers and fountains to show-stopping barrages and rockets.

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