12 tonnes of fireworks have been sold across Tasmania ahead of this Saturday’s annual Cracker Night celebrations.
A total of 610 permits have been issued for the event, covering everything from small backyard gatherings to large community celebrations.
Shannon Palmer from Brightstar Fireworks said thousands of Tasmanians would get to enjoy the spectacle after a tough week of weather.
“This year’s Cracker Night is set to be a real cracker.” he said.
“This means that literally thousands of Tasmanians will enjoy the fun of lighting up what has for many been a gloomy and wet week,” he said.
Palmer said Brightstar Fireworks has been supplying fireworks to Tasmanians for 25 years.
The future of the event was thrown into doubt last year when Victoria announced port restrictions on fireworks shipments, which would have cut off Tasmania’s only supply route.
A shipping exemption was granted and Brightstar, Tasmania’s main firework importer received an importation licence.
It’s now too late to get a licence for this year’s event, but Palmer said people can still head along to community displays.
“One of the biggest community events will be held at Redbanks at Nugent, a family-friendly event which kicks off in the afternoon with music, food and entertainment with a major display run by us at around 7-7:30pm,” he said.
“In the north, a similar event will be held at Geneva Christian College.”
Palmer said he was hopeful that promised changes by the Tasmanian Government to fireworks rules would be in place before next year’s events, meaning a bigger and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Cracker Night is celebrated each year on May 24, or the following Saturday if that date doesn’t fall on one.
The tradition originally marked Commonwealth Day.
Anyone aged 18 or older can apply for a permit, with displays limited to properties of at least 1,000 square metres and a maximum fireworks purchase of 20 kilograms.
Fireworks must be set off between 7pm and 7:45pm or 7:45pm and 8:30pm.
