€15,000 fireworks show rescheduled for 2023

The decision to scrap the fireworks show was a last-minute one, after the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps advised of a significant fire risk following weeks of drought.

RTL's Annick Goerens investigated the impact of the decision on the capital's plans for the show.

Luxembourg City mayor Lydie Polfer explained the preparations for the show took place months in advance, and at the time, no one could have predicted the long period of hot, dry weather the Grand Duchy experienced over the summer.

Christophe Theiß, head of the CIS (fire and rescue centre) prevention unit, said they had hoped for rain, but it was not necessarily enough to solve the issue, as the emergency services take a number of factors and their interactions into consideration:

"On one hand, the meteorological situation plays a role, especially after such an extended period of dry, hot weather, but we also have to look at the launch site. In this instance, the topography of the area on the hill by Côte d'Eich also plays a part, with dense woodland, which would make access difficult for fire rescue teams."

The municipality budgeted around €15,000 for the fireworks show, added Polfer. But as the council has a long-standing relationship with the supplier, who also provides fireworks for the National Day celebrations, the two parties have agreed to put the supplies into storage, to be used in 2023.

Polfer said: "This means we won't have to pay this sum in full at the moment - instead, we will pay around €4,000 for the work that has already been carried out, and the rest will be put to use next year instead."

It was not worth the risk, concluded the mayor. The trees in the surrounding woodland on Côte d‘Eich had been assessed and found to be too dry and brown. Despite the forecast for rain on Wednesday, the decision remained firm. "We'll hope for better luck next year," said Polfer.