(28th September 2006)
This year’s fireworks display is being organised by Watford Borough Council who have stepped in to take over the running of the event from the Round Table.
The popularity of the event with the public has seen a year on year increase in the number of people attending, making the organisation and running of the event more than a voluntary group, such as the Round Table, can manage. Regrettably, organisational costs have risen over the past few years and this has resulted in the Council stepping in to underwrite the event for the last two years.
Unfortunately this year there will not be a bonfire. Dave Cobb, Service Manager - Parks and Open Spaces explains:
“Due to a number of contributing factors we will not be having a bonfire this year. It takes significant staff resources to build and steward the fire, and reinstate the area afterwards. Once lit it is extremely difficult to put out, in case of overcrowding or crowd surges. It also goes against one of the Council’s key objectives of having a smoke free town by causing air pollution and scorching the surrounding trees.�
As a replacement for the bonfire there will be the added attraction of professional fire performers to entertain the crowds in the build up to the firework display.
Dorothy Thornhill, Mayor of Watford said:
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Round Table for their hard work over many years, in organising and managing this popular event.
“People attending the display can be sure of an entertaining evening and we hope that the new additions to the programme will prove popular with all concerned.
“We now also need to think of the future and discuss with residents how they think it best we proceed. We also welcome the support of the Samaritans, who will be collecting on the night to ensure this exciting local event continues to support of local charities.�
This year’s fireworks display is being organised by Watford Borough Council who have stepped in to take over the running of the event from the Round Table.
The popularity of the event with the public has seen a year on year increase in the number of people attending, making the organisation and running of the event more than a voluntary group, such as the Round Table, can manage. Regrettably, organisational costs have risen over the past few years and this has resulted in the Council stepping in to underwrite the event for the last two years.
Unfortunately this year there will not be a bonfire. Dave Cobb, Service Manager - Parks and Open Spaces explains:
“Due to a number of contributing factors we will not be having a bonfire this year. It takes significant staff resources to build and steward the fire, and reinstate the area afterwards. Once lit it is extremely difficult to put out, in case of overcrowding or crowd surges. It also goes against one of the Council’s key objectives of having a smoke free town by causing air pollution and scorching the surrounding trees.�
As a replacement for the bonfire there will be the added attraction of professional fire performers to entertain the crowds in the build up to the firework display.
Dorothy Thornhill, Mayor of Watford said:
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Round Table for their hard work over many years, in organising and managing this popular event.
“People attending the display can be sure of an entertaining evening and we hope that the new additions to the programme will prove popular with all concerned.
“We now also need to think of the future and discuss with residents how they think it best we proceed. We also welcome the support of the Samaritans, who will be collecting on the night to ensure this exciting local event continues to support of local charities.�
