London: The O2 hosts fireworks display for New Year's Eve

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Supply problems relating to COVID-19 have impacted the production of fireworks meaning that the British supply will be affected. In what has been described as a “really worrying year” by an industry expert, China, the main manufacturer of fireworks, has cut production due to the pandemic.

Experts have warned that as a result, the UK is only ­getting a third of its normal supply, meaning there may not be enough after Bonfire Night for New Year’s Eve displays.

The diminishing supply will likely skyrocket in price, with a large crate of fireworks surging from £5,770 to an eye-watering £21,000.

The shipping cost of the Far East’s supply of fireworks has risen in price too.

Britain’s entire supply is set to be used for the November 5 festivities, causing a complete shortage of the illuminations by the time it comes to New Year’s Eve.

Spectacular displays such as the televised display from the bank of the River Thames, just opposite the London Eye and next to the Clock Tower of Big Ben are likely to be impacted by the shortage.

Secretary of the British Fireworks Association, Lawrence Black commented on the situation saying: “It’s a perfect storm.

“Everyone here is down on orders. We’re probably getting a third less than what we ordered.

“It’s a really worrying year for the industry. There will be gaps on the shelves within the firework world.”

Chinese manufacturers have also encountered similar problems for toy production, and even furniture giant IKEA has been impacted by supply chain issues.

The ongoing problems are causes for concern for those working in the fireworks industry.

Chris Clarke, general manager of supplier Big In Fireworks, stated: “The shipping lines are so far behind, we’re just not getting stock into the country in time.

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“As an importer, you just can’t get it in.”

He raised his concerns that the current supply will not be enough to satisfy demands: “I don’t think there’ll be any fireworks left after Bonfire Night for new year.”

The news comes following a bleak Christmas turkey warning, as labour shortages in the UK could force people to buy imported French turkeys for the festive season.

The turkey sector is said to have been “hit massively” as the industry relies on agencies who bring in labour from the EU, a feat that is no longer accessible due to Brexit.

Paul Kelly, managing director of KellyBronze, which produces hand-plucked, free range turkeys explained: “Sad thing is, 30 years ago about 30 percent of the UK turkey market was supplied by France.

“Since having access to EU workers the UK turkey industry has built up the farms and infrastructure needed to supply just about 100 percent of the turkey the supermarkets need – and the supermarkets have been very supportive of quality British turkey production.

“Now, the French factories are rubbing their hands with glee as they can see all that business they used to have returning to them.”

The shortage of workers coupled with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic will likely mean that the UK’s Christmas turkeys will originate from France for the festive season.

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