Fears of violence force cancellation of Henley fireworks

THERE are few more genteel sporting events than Henley Royal Regatta - but fears of violence have forced the cancellation of tonight's fireworks display at the 160-year old event.

In February, regatta organisers withdrew their official support for the display, a century-old tradition, after a Belgian rower was stabbed last year.

However, local businesses had raised money to stage an unofficial display but the local council refused to give the go-ahead after claiming they had not been given enough notice to close footpaths along the River Thames.

"Banning the fireworks diverts from the real underlying issue of licensing and yobbish behaviour which has nothing to do with the fireworks. It is utterly disappointing," said organiser Angie Major.