FIREWORKS fizzled but community spirit soared with the announcement of a total fire ban on New Year's Eve.
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The Manilla Community Carnival fireworks were canned late Monday afternoon, a decision that shocked coordinator Jessi Ride.
"The show must go on and we won't let it dampen our spirits," Ms Ride said.
"We're sorry to see that even though Sydney is in severe fire danger that the big ones can go off.
"That's the way the cookie crumbles."
The ban impacts Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, the Liverpool Plains and Tamworth.
Approved fireworks are usually exempt from total fire bans.
Fire and Rescue NSW acting chief superintendent Tom Cooper said the risk was too high.
"The fireworks at Manilla won't be going ahead," he said.
I understand it's somebody's livelihood who is paid to do that and it's fun for the families but I have to weigh that up against losing a life or someone's house.
- Tamworth Fire and Rescue NSW Tom Cooper
"Those poor blokes from the NSW Rural Fire Service have been out the last three months, if we can avoid another fire than so be it.
"I understand it's somebody's livelihood who is paid to do that and it's fun for the families but I have to weigh that up against losing a life or someone's house."
Temperatures are set to soar toward 40 degrees this week, and fireworks in Armidale have been postponed due to the tinder-dry landscape.
The ban will have financial implications for the carnival committee, but Ms Ride said people on social media had pledged their support for the event.
"Our post has been seen by 12,000 people, we hope we can hit the hearts of a few and have them celebrate and support us," she said.
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"It's about celebrating as a community because we've had a rough year."
The community carnival starts at 4:30pm at the Manilla Showgrounds.