Tillsonburg residents will get a second chance to enjoy a full fireworks display on Labour Day after a computer glitch cut the Canada Day show short. The Town of Tillsonburg announced the fireworks contractor has agreed to return and put on a complete show Sunday, September 6, 2026, at no extra cost to taxpayers.
On July 1, 2026, hundreds gathered at Memorial Park for the annual celebration, but the evening ended in disappointment. According to the Town of Tillsonburg, the computer system controlling the fireworks ignitions and timing failed partway through. The operator could not fix the problem on site, so the display ended early.
The fireworks company has apologized and accepted responsibility for the shortened show. Mayor Deb Gilvesy said the town had already set aside enough money for the fireworks, and the failure was purely technical. “The shortened show was the result of an unexpected technical issue, not a lack of funding,” Gilvesy said. The Labour Day display will happen at dusk, with the location to be confirmed.
The Canada Day event also saw a separate issue with a DJ at the Kinsmen Bandshell using inappropriate language. The bandshell had been rented to a third party who hired the DJ. The town says it will now tighten its rental rules for all town-owned venues to make sure entertainment at family events is suitable for all ages.
For residents who left disappointed on July 1, the Labour Day weekend fireworks offer a fresh chance for a free community celebration.
