Banff fireworks display needs backing
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Organisers of the annual fireworks display are calling for the public’s support to ensure the event goes with a bang in the future.
Banff fireworks display has been on the calendar for more than 30 years but organisers admit it has become more challenging to host in recent times.
The display, organised and run solely by the Banff Round Table, costs around £3000 a year.
That bill is significantly reduced due to the fact that Round Table members are given training to eliminate the need for a professional company to run the event.
However, Banff Round Table’s Dan Chalmers said that the national Round table was no longer providing cover for fireworks insurance, increasing financial pressure.
The local tablers, therefore, have had to take out their own policy for the night at a cost of £1000.
In the past, this was a bill they did not have to pay.
Despite the challenges, Mr Chalmers said he was looking forward to the display at Duff House on the evening of Saturday, November 2.
He said: “It is a really popular event and we are looking forward to it.
“It would be great if we get an even bigger turnout this year as all the money raised gets donated throughout local groups.
“As well as the display, Deveron FM will be in attendance, providing music, and hot food and drinks will be available from caterers.
“People attending should arrive in good time as parking and access around the area can be quite congested.
“No parking is available in the grounds apart from a limited number of spaces for disabled badge holders.
“For safety reasons, the size of the fire will be limited and no collections or tipping of wood for fire will take place.
“Sparklers are discouraged due to the potential injury risk to users of the rugby and football pitches if they are not properly disposed of.
“Organised events like this are much safer than organising your own display.”
The even is funded by donations, sales of glow sticks on the night and sponsorship.
Mr Chalmers added: “Any donations from people attending will be gratefully received to ensure the display can continue to be successful. The Round Table is always looking for members and anybody interested in joining should get in contact.”
The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks display, which Mr Chalmers hopes will be the most spectacular to date, will start at 7pm.
Mr Chalmers said the Round Table members set the fireworks, which are ordered and bought each year through the town’s Ritchie Travel.
On the night, other organisations help out by collecting donations.
Planning the event starts in earnest in the middle of the summer to ensure that all procedures are in place.
On the morning of the fireworks display, the local Round Table members meet at Duff House to erect security fencing, build the fire and set up the fireworks.
This takes a day for the group of 10 to do, with the help of local businesses who provide equipment.
