Appeal for help with Newbury fireworks display as two event organisers join forces

"By working together we will raise more funds"

THE organisers of two of West Berkshire’s largest fireworks displays have joined forces.

The Lions Club of Newbury, which holds the popular display at Newbury Racecourse, has teamed up with the organisers of Chieveley Fireworks to support each other’s events.

The two displays have helped to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities.

The move follows uncertainty over whether the Lions display would be able to go ahead this year owing to various issues between the club and Newbury Racecourse.

However, with a little help from the , which made a £500 contribution towards additional costs incurred, an agreement was made and it was announced the event would go ahead after all.

The date for this year’s display has been set for Saturday, November 12. Gates will be open from 5.30pm, with the display at 7.30pm.

Since announcing that the display can now go ahead, the club says it has been thrilled with the response from the community, with several volunteers and businesses coming forward to help with running and sponsoring the event.

However, with just weeks to go, the club is still appealing for further help to cover the extra costs.

In a joint statement, the organisers of the Lions Club and Chieveley Fireworks, said: “Our main aim in organising these events is to put on a good show which our audiences will enjoy, but also to raise funds for local charities and activities.

“We have a common aim and, since the events are held on two different dates, we are not directly in competition.

“By working together, we will raise more funds and highlight the fact that there is twice the opportunity to enjoy a good evening watching spectacular displays.”

Tickets for the Chieveley event are on sale from village shops in Chieveley, Hermitage and Cold Ash and booking is available online at www.mychieveley.co.uk and, for one day only, on Sunday, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at Chieveley village hall.

Tickets for the Lions’ fireworks at Newbury Racecourse can be bought from: The Lions market stall in Newbury on Saturday, and Saturday November 5; Tesco stores at Pinchington Lane, Northbrook Street, London Road, Newbury, and Northfield Road, Thatcham; branches of Newbury Building Society branches in Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford; Metro Bank, Newbury; the Corn Exchange, Newbury.

The advance purchase price is the reduced cost of £4.50 for adults, £3.50 for children over the age of five, or £15 for a family ticket (two adults, two children). Children under five go free.

Tickets will be available on the gate, priced at £5 for everyone over the age of five.