5,000 free tickets for Musselburgh fireworks display for 'locals' only

Admission to the event is free but will be limited to a 5,000 capacity. And in a bid, say organisers, to host an evening for the local community, only residents with an EH21 postcode can apply for tickets.

The display has been held in recent years at Fisherrow Links but was not organised last year due to the pandemic.

It now returns to Musselburgh Racecourse - where it was last held a decade ago - to take advantage of its "better access" and the racecourse's "experience of managing big events".

The November 5 display is described as a joint project between Musselburgh Common Good Fund and Musselburgh Racecourse.

The evening will be hosted by Forth1 radio presenter Boogie in the Morning. There will be fairground rides, festoon lighting and the fireworks will be set to music.

American-themed street food - including hot dogs, candy floss and hot donuts - will also be available from a range of specialist vendors, as well as refrehsments.

Funding to support the fireworks extravaganza will come from the Musselburgh Common Good Fund, with the racecourse contributing up to £10,000 and providing free use of the track facilities.

A previous Musselburgh fireworks display. Image: Angus Bathgate

Councillor Andy Forrest, East Lothian Depute Provost and member of the Musselburgh Common Good Fund, said: "The Musselburgh fireworks display is an event enjoyed by people of all ages and after the restrictions and challenges of the past 18 months it is so good to have something to look forward to.

"Moving the event back to the racecourse will provide better access for spectators on foot and by car and will, of course, comply with the current government and health advice around public outdoor events.”

While Bill Farnsworth, Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, added: “We are delighted to be working together with the Musselburgh Common Good Fund to host a Guy Fawkes fireworks display for the benefit of Honest Toun residents.

“With the event cancelled last year due to Covid, the time was right to rethink how we could put on an enjoyable and accessible event for the whole community.

The racecourse is experienced in managing big events and the location is very convenient for many residents who will have plenty of space to make the most of the fantastic entertainments.”

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said that the total cost of the fireworks display was £23,000 "but this is solely funded by the Musselburgh Common Good and nothing is being paid to the racecourse for use."

Forth1 presenter Boogie said he was "really looking forward to getting back to Musselburgh Racecourse for this year’s fireworks display".

"This will be the first big event I’ve hosted since before the pandemic hit us in March 2020 and hopefully it’ll go with a bang!” he said.

Common Good Funds in Scotland originated in the 15th century and are the assets and income of some former burghs. They represent a substantial portfolio of land, property and investments and, by law, continue to exist for the common good of the inhabitants of the former burghs.

Forth One presenter Boogie

East Lothian Council administers the assets of Musselburgh Common Good Fund and the committee, which makes decisions on grants, consists of the town’s four councillors: Stuart Currie, Andy Forrest, Katie Mackie and John Williamson.

The Honest Toun's fireworks display was last held at Musselburgh Racecourse in 2011, after a row over the cost of hiring the venue saw it moved away from the course.

The cost of this year’s event was agreed in private during a meeting of the Musselburgh Common Good Fund committee last week.

Details on how to apply for tickets for the event will be posted on the Musselburgh Racecourse website later this week. The EH21 postcode includes addresses in Musselburgh, Wallyford, Whitecraig, Inveresk, Carberry and Newcraighall.