This week, the organising committee of the annual Stone Town Bonfire and Fireworks Display met to formally disband and to make the final distribution of funds.
The Stone Town Bonfire and Fireworks Display Committee have issued the following press release as they draw to a close their organisation of the town’s bonfire and firework display.
“The last event took place in 2019. Covid restrictions prevented the holding the popular event in 2020 and 2021. The proposed redevelopment of Westbridge Park this year would have prevented the use of Westbridge Park and news of the delay in the work came too late for an event to be organised this November. Once the redevelopment is completed next year, the area used for the bonfire will no longer be available.
“This was a very sad decision”, said Chairman Richard Stevens. “We carefully considered all options in the hope that we could continue to provide a bonfire and firework display in future but sadly came to the conclusion that it would be impossible to stage the event on Westbridge Park after the redevelopment or anywhere else in town.”
The first bonfire and fireworks display took place in 1986 and has always been organised by a committee of volunteers predominantly made up of representatives of local groups and organisations including the Scouting and Guiding movements, the Army Cadet Force, Parent Teacher Associations etc. All profits from the events have been distributed among these groups and other local charities and good causes. Over the years, over £125,000 has been distributed.
Article continues after this message“This is the end of an era” said Richard. “On behalf of the committee I wish to place on record our very grateful thanks to the hundreds of people who have been involved over the years helping to create an event of which Stone can be very proud and thanks also to the thousands of spectators who turned up every year and enabled us to raise an amazing amount for local town groups associations and good causes”
The final distribution this week will benefit, among others, The Crown Wharf Theatre, Friends of Stonefield Park, Stone Community Hub, Douglas Macmillan Home, the Air Ambulance and the Salvation Army”
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