THE CHAIRMAN of one of the city’s main fund-raising groups has urged people to reach into their pockets to watch their fireworks display this weekend.
For more than 35 years the Worcester Round Table has organised the Bonfire, Fairground and Fireworks celebrations at Pitchcroft on a voluntary basis to collect money for Worcester causes.
But Paul Valentine said people who refused to pay and watched the show from outside the racecourse boundary last year cost the charity about £5,000, meaning they struggled to break even.
Fears were raised whether or not they would be able to continue with the event if people did not pay to come in, but this year Mr Valentine said they had come back with a bigger and better display, installed new rides and extended the event boundaries.
The Mayor of Worcester, Coun Alan Amos, will be on hand to open Saturday’s (November 1) event at 5.30pm with the bonfire lit about an hour later and the fireworks display lighting up the skies at 7.30pm.
Mr Valentine said: “We have worked hard with the council, security and fair ground officials to make this event even more family friendly and fun for all.
“The bonfire and fireworks display is one of Worcester’s largest public events and every year it raises around £10,000 which goes directly to good causes in and around Worcester.
“It is a completely open invitation, we give to a wide range of people from organisations like Deaf Direct and New Hope, to individuals who are facing severe hardship or difficulties.”
To find out more about the group or the event visit www.worcester.roundtable.co.uk online.
