The municipality of Delft will not be granting exemptions for the setting off of organised fireworks displays during the 2026–2027 New Year celebrations. The municipality announced this in a press release. At the same time, Mayor Alexander Pechtold is calling on residents to help come up with alternatives.
Although the law allows local authorities, from 1 August 2026, to grant exemptions to local associations and foundations under certain conditions, Delft will not be making use of this provision this year. The council has opted for a general policy of not granting any exemptions. From the same date, a nationwide ban on consumer fireworks will also come into force. Only light fireworks in category F1, such as sparklers, will remain permitted.
Difficult to implement
According to Pechtold, the conditions for an exemption are difficult to implement in practice. He points, amongst other things, to rules concerning safety, supervision and the quantity of fireworks. He also notes that the police and special investigating officers would already be fully deployed during the New Year’s celebrations. In addition, the municipality mentions monitoring compliance with the conditions and enforcing the fireworks ban as areas of concern.
“For me, the most important thing is that New Year’s Eve is a festive occasion for all residents. New Year’s Eve is an evening when people come together, meet up and celebrate the new year,” said Pechtold.
Alternatives
The policy will initially apply for one year. After that, the municipality will review how the New Year’s Eve celebrations went in consultation with the safety triangle.
The municipality is encouraging residents to organise alternative activities. In this regard, it refers to the ‘Vuurtje met je buurtje’ (Bonfire with your Neighbours) initiative, which was held last year to promote social interaction in neighbourhoods. “I invite all Delft residents to contribute ideas on new ways to celebrate the New Year,” says Pechtold in the press release.
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