The National Fireworks at the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam will not take place next New Year. This is reported by the regional broadcaster Rijnmond. The organization had set up a crowdfunding campaign, but it did not raise nearly enough money.
The municipality of Rotterdam announced last year that it would stop subsidizing the fireworks show, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every edition. Like other municipalities, the city is faced with rising costs for youth care, among other things. To reduce the budget deficit, cuts were made to several events.
The crowdfunding campaign, initiated earlier this year by VVD councilor Dieke van Groningen to allow the fireworks show to go ahead, raised only 28,000 euros. A total of 1.2 million euros was needed for three fireworks shows at the Erasmus Bridge, the children’s fireworks and the show in Rotterdam-Nesselande.
The amount raised will be reserved for the planned fireworks show during the New Year of 2026-2027.
Fireworks ban
In Rotterdam, there has been a local fireworks ban for private individuals since 2020. A national ban will follow in 2026. The organization says it fears that the lack of a large central show could lead to more nuisance, because residents would then set off fireworks on a larger scale.
Organizer Klaas Rohde told Rijnmond that he found it “bizarre” and “inconceivable” that the municipality “chooses not to have fireworks”. “I really think they are taking an irresponsible risk. Many municipalities are setting up fireworks shows to avoid risks.”
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