Ostend (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Ostend’s fireworks are canceled on 1st January 2025 because of strong winds. Instead, there will be a light show. Fireworks are rescheduled for January 4 at 6 PM. In Middelkerke and Kokside, mayors Jean-Marie Dedecker and Sander Loones decided to go ahead with their fireworks. De Panne postponed theirs until tomorrow due to wind changes.
Niko Geldhof, the tourism official in Ostend, announced that fireworks have been cancelled for tonight due to strong winds, which are expected to reach up to 7 Beaufort. Instead, the fireworks will take place on January 4 at 6 pm after the New Year’s Dive. For tonight, there will be a light show with music in the Adolf Buylstraat, along with a countdown, as a substitute for the fireworks. They are trying to provide a good alternative for everyone.
What factors led Middelkerke and Kokside to proceed with fireworks despite wind concerns?
This morning, on 31st December, leaders in Middelkerke and Kokside talked with police and firefighters about tonight’s fireworks. They decided it was safe to go ahead because the wind will be about 50 kilometers per hour and should calm down before midnight. Mayor Jean-Marie Dedecker said the wind is blowing out to sea, which makes it safer. Mayor Sander Loones agreed and mentioned that their beach is safe too. However, in De Panne, the fireworks are delayed until tomorrow because the wind will change direction.
Each mayor is in charge of decisions for their area. Mayor Dedecker said they talk to different experts, like those in security and weather, before deciding. He pointed out that the East Coast and West Coast have different conditions, and each beach is unique. He feels confident about the fireworks but added that if there were any concerns, they wouldn’t let them happen.
