Halloween fireworks have gone up in smoke after they were dubbed a costly '15 minute display in a time of austerity'.
A report by Lisburn and Castlereagh Council's parks chief found a drive-in pyrotechnics event - floated for Balmoral Park - could cost up to £50,000.
The Covid-proofed display at Eikon Centre would have stood in for Wallace Park's "Twilight by Fairylight" fireworks, which can't go ahead because of Covid-19.
Derry and Belfast have already cancelled their annual displays.
But the price tag for a socially distanced alternative in Sprucefield - including almost £20,000 for venue hire - was prohibitive and could draw bad press, the LCCC report said.
The centre would have given 2000 cars of locals a view of the display, accompanied by a radio broadcast.
But the head of parks said the chance "to meet demand from a public looking for some normality, excitement and positivity" was countered by risks to the council's reputation and a potential log jam in and out of the venue for an event clocking in at a quarter of an hour.
Other risks included negative PR for holding an event while Covid infections climbed and "such a large expenditure for a 15-minute display at a time of austerity", as well as the threat of a circuit breaker over Halloween.
The report recommended LCCC follow other councils who have cancelled their Halloween fireworks.
It was accepted by councillors at a Leisure and Community Development Committee last week.
