Creators of The Crown apologise for noisy fireworks display

CREATORS of royal TV drama The Crown apologised to Ringwood residents after they were "bombarded" with loud fireworks during filming at Somerley House.

People living miles from the estate claimed they had had to endure hours of "horrendous bangs" which frightened pets and livestock.

One person complained on social media: “They are extremely loud. Our poor horse and goats are frightened to death.”

Another resident said there should have been a warning that the fireworks would be set off.

They said: “It would be nice if we’d been made aware. Dogs are not happy. Also, if it’s for film why couldn’t they use silent fireworks and dub the sound on top?”

One woman said her dogs were "going absolutely crazy”, adding: “It’s been going on for hours.”

Frederik Tyson-Brown, location manager for Left Bank Pictures which produces the multi-award-winning show, later apologised for the loud display.

He said: "In cooperation with the Somerley Estate, we endeavoured to inform local residents in the vicinity of Somerley, but I can only apologise if this was not as far reaching as people would have hoped.

"I would again like to offer my sincere apologies to anyone who found our work last night overly disturbing and I hope to cultivate a communicative and harmonious relationship with the residents of the area going forward."

A spokesperson for the estate also offered their apologies, saying. "The Somerley Estate is truly sorry for any inconvenience caused by the fireworks last night.

"Despite our best efforts to notify residents and livestock owners who we thought would be affected by the fireworks, there were many not informed."

But the apologies did not wash with some residents, with one posting on Facebook: “So inconsiderate. Never watched it and definitely won't be now.”

It is not the first venue the Netflix blockbuster has filmed in the New Forest. In 2019 parts of the third series at Rhinefield House Hotel, near Brockenhurst.

Helena Bonham-Carter and Olivia Colman were among the show’s stars who stayed at the 19th century New Forest mansion. They were joined by up to 90 crew members who filmed there over two-and-a-half days.

The hotel’s management confirmed that 19 cast members stayed at the hotel and shot scenes inside and around its outdoor pool.