FIREWORKS STILL DAZZLE DESPITE DOWNPOUR

NOT even a torrential downpour and a sodden bonfire could dampen the crowd's enthusiasm for Hexham's annual fireworks spectacular. A record amount had been spent by the organisers, Hexham Round Table, on the fireworks this year and, judging by the ripples of appreciation running through the spectators, the money had been well worth it.

The half-hour long display presented by international award-winning professionals Kim Bolton Fireworks, lit up the sky with every colour in the rainbow. Although the poor weather and the confusion caused by the on-off nature of the firemen's strike had their effect on the numbers that turned out on Saturday, thousands still braved the rain and the mud on the Sele.

There was only one aspect that didn't go according to plan, and which had onlookers and organisers alike holding their breath ­ the bonfire wouldn't light. Chairman of Hexham Round Table Jeff Larkin, said: "The rainwater was cascading down the pallets we'd used to build it. We were trying to light a bonfire in a waterfall. The fireworks contractor provided a bonfire lighter, which showered the bonfire with sparks and was meant to light it. It didn't, so we had to resort to igniting paper in the wind tunnels under the bonfire." There was an audible sigh of relief as the fire took hold and was soon toasting content spectators.

While the fireworks spectacular brings in valuable trade for pubs, restaurants and off-licences in the town, it is also one of the biggest nights of the year in terms of Hexham Round Table's own fund-raising. After covering its costs out of the thousands of pounds raised through donations on the night, sponsorship and a collection outside of Safeway in Hexham, the remaining money is donated to local charities and good causes. The event itself is designed to be a community event, say the organisers.

"The Scouts were invited to run a second food stall this year and they generated about £500 on the night for their cause," said Mr Larkin. "That was on top of the money raised for local charities by the Hexham Ladies' Circle food stall. The Sunshine Panners, from Haydon Bridge High School, played on the night and they were paid. We also donated a bit more on top. It's very much a community event and what we want to see is the money going back to local groups."

Businesses in the town had also provided much-needed support. Fourstones Paper Mill provided the bulk of the wood for the bonfire, Lords Tool Hire loaned the lights and generators, Patterson Ford loaned a van and the events caravan, and a wide range of local businesses placed adverts in the Courant in support of Round Table's article promoting the event.

Mr Larkin said: "We'd like to thank all of the businesses who supported us, including Northumbria Tourist Board, the fire service and our main sponsor, Northern Electric. And we'd especially like to thank everybody who turned out on such a foul night to support us. We just hope they enjoyed it."

Early the next morning, a line of willing volunteers from Round Table and the Ladies' Circle could be seen combing the Sele ­ moving slowly across it like police conducting a search ­ picking up the rubbish left behind. There was no sign of the rain. It was a beautiful day.

By Staff Reporter
Published in The Hexham Courant on 08/11/2002