HALTON'S annual fireworks display has been cancelled for the second year running.

The council said it has taken the decision to 're-prioritise resources' as part of its continuing response to the pandemic.

It is the second year in succession that the popular display has been axed, with last year's event being scrapped due to surging infection rates.

Council bosses had hoped the event would return this year to celebrate Halton becoming Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture, but those hopes have now been dashed.

But the council announced the Brindley Theatre will be reopening on September 27 with a full programme of events.

Cllr Paul Nolan, executive board member for Culture, said: "While I am sorry that the fireworks event will not be going ahead, I'm delighted to be able to announce the reopening of the Brindley after so long.

"It is a much-loved venue and has been sorely missed by theatre-goers.

"The theatre has been closed since March 2020 and has been playing an important role in supporting the roll-out of the vaccination programme.

"The team there have been working really hard to put arrangements in place that will allow shows to now take place."