Lack of sponsors could turn firework spectacular into damp squib

12:48pm Thursday 26th June 2008

A spectacular fireworks competition that drew crowds of 20,000 people to the Milford Haven waterway is under threat, the Western Telegraph can reveal.

The Champion of Champions fireworks competition attracted some of the world's top pyrotechnic display teams and lit up the sky over Neyland and Pembroke Dock in September last year.

There had been hopes to make the competition into an annual event but the loss of a main sponsor means the organisers are facing a major funding crisis.

Last year the main sponsor was Total, the then owners of the Milford Haven refinery.

But Murco, the company that has taken over the refinery, has decided not to continue with the sponsorship.

That means £20,000 - in addition to the sums already pledged by local companies - needs to be raised or the event will not go ahead.

Planed festivals and events officer, Kate Lindley, said the committee hoped that the people and businesses of Pembrokeshire would pull together to save the competition.

"The event was very successful with more than 20,000 people in the waterway over the weekend viewing the fireworks," she said.

"The positive feedback received has been overwhelming, with wonderful comments from local residents and people from outside Pembrokeshire alike.

"The committee formed from representatives of the local communities and businesses, chaired by Cllr Sue Perkins, has been working really hard to get the event off the ground.

"It would be a huge disappointment to lose out on the excitement and the economic benefits this event can bring to the local communities."

Those sentiments were echoed by Neyland county councillor Simon Hancock. He said: "Last year was a huge success. I had people say to me that they had been all over the world but had never seen such a spectacular and vibrant fireworks display.

"It really brought the haven to prominence and I hope there's a collective will among residents and businesses to come together because it would be a crying shame if this wonderful event were not to continue."

For donation and sponsorship forms or information on how to get involved contact Kate at Planed on 01834 862109 or e-mail fireworks@ planed.org.uk.