Organisers of the Forres Bonfire and Fireworks display have issued a plea for people to bring cash on the night or donate online from home in order to ensure Saturday’s event won’t be the last.
Carlo Miele says the Rotary Club has enough reserves to put on a display this year thanks to donations from 2019, but he warns that increased costs combined with people carrying less cash could jeopardise future events.
There are also new safety laws, anti-terrorist guidelines and welfare implications for the event, which will take place in Grant Park on Saturday 5 November.
He said: “The costs of putting on a fireworks display have increased significantly. The company we use is giving us a discount this year as a goodwill gesture, but in 2023 we won’t be so lucky.
“We can’t rely on card machines in the park, as the internet connection could prove problematic and it’s a lot slower process than dropping cash into a bucket.
“We’re asking for people to bring cash. We know things are tight, and we’re not asking for large amounts. Just dig out some cash you maybe have lying around, or give us what you can afford.
“It’s always been a free event and we want to keep it that way.”
Carlo explained that each year, the event has funded the following year’s display entirely through cash collected in the park on the night. But with increased costs and the interruption of Covid, this year’s donations are essential to make future displays happen.
Just Giving
He added that if you don’t have cash or want to give online before or after the event, a Just Giving page has been set up.
This year, the theme is ‘Decades’ and Elsa and Anna from Frozen will be welcoming people to the park.
Carlo also made a plea to the business community.
“If you want to sponsor the event, we’ll advertise your business. There are at least 4000 people attending, it’s a good audience and businesses are staying open late on Saturday night for people walking to and from the display.
“Anyone that can help us with pallets or potato boxes for the bonfire, we’d love to hear from you too.”
And one final plea from the Rotary Club, please don’t bring sparklers, Grant Park is used by children and animals the day after bonfire night.
