Center Parcs cancel all firework displays this winter to protect wildlife

Center Parcs has announced that they have scrapped fireworks at all of their parks this winter in order to protect wildlife.

The holiday village operator said that it has decided not to bring back their famous firework displays to the park's festive celebrations in line with their "commitment to protecting our forests and wildlife."

The coronavirus pandemic meant that all five of the sites which are situated across the UK were closed to guests last Christmas.

Announcing their festive plans for this year, the park operators have said that fireworks won't be part of this year's celebrations, despite traditionally being an "important part of the festive experience" at the sites.

From November 8 to Christmas Eve, the parks will be transformed into a "Winter Wonderland" transformed with lights, decorations and snow.

There will also be a Forest Festive Fayre, Santa's Woodland Village and workshop available to visit before Christmas Day. Replacing the fireworks display will be an enchanted light trail through the woodland village.

The holiday operator has said that the decision not to bring back the display was made to protect their forests and wildlife. Each holiday village is set within around 400 acres of natural woodland, which park owners said formed part of their decision.

In a post on their website, owners said: "In line with our commitment to protecting our forests and wildlife, we’ve made the decision not to bring back our firework displays at Center Parcs. Whilst fireworks are beautiful, they can cause stress and anxiety to wildlife, household pets and some of our guests, and can be damaging to the local environment.

"We know that fireworks have traditionally been an important part of the festive experience here at Center Parcs, so this winter we’re lighting up the forest with a brand-new Enchanted Light Trail instead – and you can visit as often as you like."