DOWNEND Round Table’s firework display has set a new fundraising record, making £61,000 for good causes.
Despite wet weather on the day of the event on November 7, the display attracted more than 10,000 visitors and also had a record number of third-party volunteers to help make everything run smoothly.
The Bristol area’s biggest fireworks celebration featured two displays, a laser light show and music, including a live show from drumming group Batala Bristol, although the weather conditions meant that the bonfire could not be lit to ensure crowd safety.
As well as a team of 40 from Downend Round Table and friends who set the event up on the day, more than 100 volunteers from Scouts, Guides, Cadets, churches, Tangent and Rotary helped on the night.
A Round Table spokesperson said: “Even our lead sponsors, CJ Hole, rolled up their sleeves, with staff from the Downend and Kingswood branches running one of the gates.”
Three charities were represented at the event: Julian Trust, It’s In the Bag, and Andy’s Man Club. They and the volunteer network, will benefit from the funds raised by people buying tickets and glow toys from the official stalls on site.
Fireworks chairman Ed Curzon-Lewis said: “This event is only possible thanks to the incredible support of our volunteers, sponsors, and the community.
“To raise £61,000 in such challenging weather is a testament to the spirit of Downend.
“Every penny will go back into supporting local causes, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
This year’s event included innovations including a wireless network for ticket machines provided by Starlink satellites and a special sofa in the VIP area for a lucky family, picked from a draw, to watch the show in extra comfort.
Matthew Tosh, senior supervisor of the professional display team at Skyburst, who laid on the show, said it contained around 3,500 individual shots, each one individually timed and choreographed to the ‘Through the Decades’ musical soundtrack by computer.
The nine-strong display team use wind forecasts and modelling to predict where fireworks will fall to make sure they land away from the audience.
Since the event Downend Round Table, which is open to men aged 18 to 45 and part of a national and international network of clubs, has had a “flurry of enquiries” from potential new members.
As well as the fireworks, members also take part in a wide range of activities.
The next Round Table fundraising event is the Santa sleigh tour, visiting Mangotsfield on November 30, Bromley Heath on December 5 and 6, Lyde Green on December 7 and Emersons Green on December 12, from 5.30pm to 8pm each evening.
For more information, visit downendrt.co.uk or email hello@downendrt.co.uk.
A date for next year’s fireworks display has already been scheduled for November 6.