London fireworks last night

[mollykins]

1) how far away could you see them?

2a) how much did they cost (well over £1m I imagine)
b) Should that much have been spent in such times?

[sandyRoe]

b No. Money going up in smoke, it's disgraceful

[jackthehat]

1. Not from Blackpool.
2a. I'd agree.
2b. I enjoyed them, and surely that's the point ?

[mollykins]

oh and c) did any of you go to see them? or if you live in london, could you see them from your house?

[mollykins]

and d) where did the money come from, national or Borough of London taxes or somewhere else?

[LazyGun]

Budget for the fireworks was £1.8 million - a surprising amount of that cost is actually stuff like crowd control.
Given the grim economic circumstances of the next few years, money spent on an event like this, offering respite and delight for the hundreds of thousands who attended and the milllions who watched the display.
Arguably the best NY fireworks around the globe, it showcases London.
Given all that, money well spent in my view. I was thoroughly entertained and amazed by the display.

[ummmm]

I thought it was the best display so far.

[Prudie]

Worth every penny for the pleasure it brought to probably millions of people. If the money had not been spent we wouldn't have noticed where it had ended up going anyway.

[jno]

I loved them. I could see them from my house, thanks to the miracle of television.

[237SJ]

They were pretty spectacular. I would love to go and see them but getting home would be too much hassle. Hopefully they`ll be even better next time as they`ll be showcasing the olympic year.

[boxtops]

My neighbour's daughter went, got back in at 0345 this morning - she said it was worth going as a one-off, but the traffic getting back out of London was a bit of a dampener.

[pastafreak]

As mentioned on another thread-the return in revenue,tourism and money spent by visitors-far outweighs the expense.

[kinell]

and the point of fireworks is exactly what?

is your life so banal that you get excited about the precise date?

if you are over eighteen do you also celebrate your birthday?

mmm...so sad

still, if it makes you happy and a less rounded person.....

[The-HouseHusband]

1 Due to all the high rise buildings in London, not very far!

2 a/b. If it stops MP's using it for bogus expenses claims who cares, it makes people feel happy and that is what is needed in times like we are experiencing. As pointed out already it showcases London and acts as a beacon for drawing in tourists which in the long run will be much more beneficial to the economy.

[boxtops]

Crumbs, kinell - get a life. Most of us like to be happy.