Vilnius permits brief fireworks despite city’s no-fireworks policy

Vilnius allows short fireworks displays at selected events, the city municipality told LRT after fireworks were used during Jessica Shy’s concerts in Vingis Park.

A reader questioned whether the capital had changed its position after seeing fireworks at the singer’s concerts last Friday and Saturday. The reader noted that the municipality has stopped using fireworks at its own events and had previously refused permission for the Vilnius Fireworks festival because of concerns about birds, nature and people’s health.

Organisers had municipal permits

Indrė Naureckaitė, a municipal media relations specialist, said Vilnius had not used fireworks at its own events since 2021. However, fireworks at events organised by others are permitted if their use is coordinated with the municipality.

“The municipality’s administration coordinates the short-term use of pyrotechnic devices at certain events, for example during commemorations of January 13, concert events and other occasions,” Naureckaitė told LRT. She added that fireworks are also used when films are being made and at events that attract exceptionally large numbers of people to Vilnius.

The organisers of Jessica Shy’s concerts also had the necessary permits. The use of pyrotechnic devices had been coordinated for the concerts, the municipality said.

When issuing permits, the municipality considers factors including the safety of the pyrotechnic devices, people’s health and possible harm to nature and animals, Naureckaitė said.

Municipality promotes alternatives

The Vilnius City Council has adopted a resolution urging residents, visitors, companies and organisations to give up fireworks that pose risks and increase pollution, and to choose safer alternatives for special occasions.

The municipality said it uses light installations, lasers, lights and drone displays at its own celebrations to create a festive atmosphere without harming people or the surrounding environment.

Naureckaitė said the Vilnius Fireworks festival was dedicated exclusively to pyrotechnics, with fireworks previously lasting up to an hour. She said its impact on the environment and people’s health was considerably greater than that of short fireworks displays during a concert or another event.

The fireworks festival was previously denied a permit in Vilnius. This year, after a break, it resumed in Kaunas.