HOPES of holding Helensburgh's annual bonfire and fireworks display this year have been dashed after organisers said they had no option but to cancel the event.

The Helensburgh and District Round Table has confirmed that the showpiece, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 7, will not go ahead due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

A barge floated in the River Clyde had been suggested as a possible launching platform for the display - as an alternative to the usual site at Helensburgh pier which is out of commission after work started on the new waterfront leisure centre.

READ MORE: Barge idea floated for town's bonfire and fireworks display

In an update on Thursday evening, the organisers said: "Sadly we have been left with no choice but to cancel this year's fireworks display.

"We would like to thank our fireworks company, Midnight Storm Fireworks, and local company GSS Plant Ltd, for their co-operation with our plans for fireworks from a barge that you'll have seen on a previous post.

"When this idea was first mentioned, Covid guidelines were easing slightly and we were hoping this was going to continue.

READ MORE: In Pictures: Family fun at 2019 Helensburgh fireworks display

"As we're sure you're all aware, this hasn't been the case. With this in mind, we were unfortunately left with no option but to cancel our display.

"Fear not, there is still the 2021 fireworks display to look forward to, and before 2020 is over with (the sooner the better eh!), there's still the small matter of the Santa Dash. Keep your eyes peeled on this page for details in the next month."

The fireworks display is the latest local event to be pulled from this year's festive calendar in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The popular Winter Festival, due to be held at the end of November, has fallen victim to the limits on large gatherings, while this year's Christmas pantomime will also not take place.

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