A County Durham town council has been forced to apologise for the 'poor' and 'disappointing' firework displays that lasted a 'matter of moments' after countless complaints about the event. 

On Saturday (November 5), Peterlee Town Council hosted a firework event that was billed to be a programme of events, including fun fair rides, a mini disco, and the main fireworks.  

Despite the schedule of events, including numerous children's activities going ahead between 4pm and 6pm, it was the fireworks themselves that got numerous Peterlee residents scratching their heads.  

Scheduled to start at 6.30pm, some people who attended are claiming that the Catherine wheels, roman candles, and various other fireworks lasted 'less than ten minutes'.

Read more: Peterlee Firework display divides opinion online after 'lasting just minutes'

The free event, which took place on Helford Road Playing Fields, was attended by hundreds of people - but it seems that the large majority of people came away disappointed. 

Moments after the fireworks packed up, several disgruntled members of the public who attended took to social media to term the display 'embarrassing'.  

Taking to social media, one user wrote: "Whoever is responsible for Peterlee's fireworks display this year, hang your heads. Shameful," while another claimed that: "People were literally booing".

However, not everyone disliked the display, with some defending the council and the fact that it was a free event. 

One user said: "It was a free event - some people ask too much," while one person believes that "something went wrong and they couldn't relight it".

Despite Peterlee Town Council not putting out a statement over the weekend, the local authority has now apologised for its part in the 'let down' event. 

On Monday (November 7), the town council said: "Peterlee Town Council apologises for the poor fireworks display at The Pavilion on Helford Road on Saturday 5th November 2022.

"The Council had placed a contract with Nemesis Pyrotechnics Ltd for a 18-20 minute fireworks display.

"Clearly, the display that they provided was far too short and we're as annoyed and disappointed about it as the thousands of local residents who braved the wet and windy weather to watch the display.

"A good deal of time and effort goes into planning a safe and fun fireworks display every year.

"An estimated 3,000-4,000 people came to this event and many enjoyed the free children's entertainment in The Pavilion and the food provided by catering students from East Durham College.

"We are gutted to have been let down so badly by the fireworks company who were trusted to run the key part of the event, and we are deeply sorry for the disappointment felt by so many."

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