The organisers of the Hereford Round Table fireworks display at the Livestock Market on Roman Road have issued an update following issues at last nights event.
A statement from Hereford Round Table said:
“Thank you to everyone who supported our firework event last night, we were able to raise much-needed funds for local causes that will make a real impact in Hereford.
“However, we’re very aware that after queuing in traffic for a long time, some families were unable to get in despite pre-booking tickets.
“We love our community and never want to leave anyone disappointed, but ultimately that is what happened and we got some things wrong. For that, we are truly sorry.
“The event is run by a dozen or so volunteers with a wider support network of families and friends that come together to raise money for local causes. Nobody is paid and every penny of money raised goes back into the community. Some of us are parents ourselves, and we really do understand how frustrating it must have been for you in the traffic.
“Our thanks go to the Cadets and Hereford 4×4 Response who helped us get everyone on and off-site safely.
“This was the first time at the livestock market and we’ll take on board everyone’s comments to make it better in the future.
“After over 40 years at the racecourse, the venue costs had became prohibitive for our charity event, so we moved a mile up the road. However, poor weather prior to the event left parking areas a little trickier to get into, and temporary traffic lights on Roman Road caused traffic to back up into Hereford.
“The issue was made worse with unprecedented numbers arriving without tickets. Many, many more than any previous years.
“We’re listening to everyone’s feedback, it is all being read by volunteers who wanted the event to be a success more than anyone.
“Our team hopes that you can understand and forgive us. We will put this learning into next year’s event (and lots of causes will benefit from your kindness).
“If you had pre-purchased tickets and failed to get into the event please email us at info@herefordroundtable.co.uk and we will do everything we can to make it right. To those of you who already have, we’ll be in touch ASAP this week.
“Thank you again for your understanding and to everyone that attended.”
