Lija’s lauded fireworks display will return to the skies next year after its pyrotechnics were finally granted the necessary licence, Times of Malta has learnt. Last November, fireworks enthusiasts were up in arms after the authorities refused to issue a licence allowing pyrotechnic chemicals to be delivered on the grounds that the factory was located close to a large cluster of terraced houses in Iklin.

Though the houses were outside the required 183-metre buffer zone, a road running in front of these properties protruded some six metres inside the zone. Other concerns had been raised because of the proximity to the Naxxar Higher Secondary School. However, the St Michael’s Fireworks Factory has always argued that the factory had been standing well before the surrounding developments.

As a result, the fireworks display held on August 5 on the eve of the feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus had to be cancelled.

While some residents welcomed the fact they would be spared the annual cacophony of petards, others vented their frustration on Facebook and described this year’s atmosphere as subdued.

Contacted by Times of Malta, club secretary Joseph Mangion said that the permit was issued on July 27. He said that fireworks enthusiasts are looking forward to next year, when they will able to showcase their talents in front of large crowds once again.

Mr Mangion attributed this change of heart from the authorities to the change in government. He also questioned whether the development lobby was behind the objections of recent years.

“For the past seven years, the authorities were making life next to impossible for us to the point that we used to end up chasing them to pay the licence.

“We always ended up paying it in arrears, except for 2008 which coincidentally was the general election year,” he said. Mr Mangion added that arrangements are already in place to ensure the current licence is renewed.

Apart from this year’s setback, two years ago the annual show was scaled down because of an internal dispute between the licence holder and members of the fireworks factory.