Every year when Bonfire Night comes around, there's a big debate about whether the fireworks are fair on dogs. Many dogs are scared of the loud noises and some pet owners have even tragically lost their pets to firework-related incidents.
Pet owners might therefore be interested to hear that there's an alternative event in Cardiff the day before Bonfire night that isn't just family-friendly, but dog-friendly too. As well as the fireworks shows on offer, Lights in the Park will take place in Trelai Park fields, Cardiff, from 6.30pm on Friday, November 4 and is described as "an animal/family friendly alternative to fireworks".
After doors open at 6.30pm, the event will kick off with a laser animation display at 7.15pm and continue into a full-on laser light show, set to music, from 7.45pm. The main show is expected to last around an hour.
READ MORE: Bonfire Night 2022: All the big fireworks displays happening in Wales
Event organiser Joseph Goode said: "We’ve noticed over the past few years a move away from traditional fireworks displays. A lot of the major ones including Sparks in the Park have all stopped so we wanted to create something different."
There are still plenty of firework displays around Cardiff on Bonfire Night, but Joseph is aware of the need for a pet-friendly alternative. He said: "Lockdown increased the demand for owning pets and now each year, around this time, there are a lot more petrified animals. You just need to read the responses on the local residents' pages to know that a lot of people are hugely against fireworks."
The event, which is in its second year, is being organised by the Caerau & Ely Sports Trust, of which Joseph is the chairman, and run by Laser Promo. He's backed up by a team of local football and rugby club volunteers, other community groups and the charity's trustees, including local councillors Peter Bradbury and Elaine Simmonds.
All money raised from the show will go towards the Caerau & Ely Sports Trust's Christmas Giving appeal, which sees food and gifts delivered to local people in need, and a new extension building at Trelai Pavilion. Under-twos can enter for free, and wellies are recommended for all.
LED wands and glow sticks will be available to purchase, and it'll be possible to pay by card. Tickets are available online for £4 per adult and £2.50 per child, plus admin fees, and family tickets are available.
Joseph explained: "The show will be a community effort run by volunteers with the aid of other local community groups. It will be amazing to shine a positive light on both Ely and Caerau again."
As to the impact the fundraising could have, he said: "The new building will have enormous implications for the area. It’s going to house an increased Welsh-speaking flying start service and baby care setting meaning not only will it create jobs, but more people will be able to go back to work to their existing jobs a lot sooner. We will also have an open multi-use space for local existing/new groups to use for activities and workshops plus a community led cafe."
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