A fireworks display which was going to attract 15,000 people to the banks of the River Thames has been cancelled – in case the loud bangs frighten Benny the beluga whale.

The rare mammal has been feeding for over a month in the Thames Estuary in Kent, thousands of miles from its native home in Greenland, and Gravesham Borough Council are keen to make sure he is protected during his visit.

The council has also urged local residents not to hold private fireworks parties near the river in case Benny gets scared.

Benny the beluga whale having fun in the Thames, Kent (Picture: PA)

The fireworks were due to be set off from a barge in the Thames at the Riverside Leisure Area on November 2.




Gravesham Borough Council Leader David Turner told The Sun: ‘The need to keep Benny safe while he visits us in Gravesend must take priority.

‘Every effort will be made to reschedule this hugely popular event, but a decision cannot be made now as no-one knows how long Benny will remain in residence here.

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‘While we understand this is also disappointing to the thousands of residents and visitors who enjoy our fantastic fireworks display every year, we have to ensure our special visitor is kept safe and well.’

Benny was first spotted in the Thames Estuary on September 25 and has become a bit of a local celebrity, with residents naming him Benny.

The Port of London Authority is determined to ensure the whale’s safety during his stay and called the council’s decision a ‘good call’.

Benny has become a local celebrity in Kent and has been spotted several times (Picture: PA)

Spokesman Martin Garside said: ‘This species of whale has never been seen this far south.’

Beluga whales can grow up to 20ft in length and are usually at home in the icy waters around Greenland, Svalbard or the Barents Sea.

Earlier this month, the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) dropped a hydrophone into the water to try to track the whale.

Operations manager Stephen Marsh told the BBC that catching Benny in a net to set him free was too high risk and not an option, and experts could only observe and protect.

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