Organisers are desperate for the popular Whitesands display to go ahead as usual this year in November. But at a cost of nearly £8000 to stage and with no major sponsor to back it, time is running out for Dumfries Devorgilla Rotary Club and partner The People’s Project. And a plea for help was yesterday issued in a bid to keep the event going.
Rotarian Kate Kerr said: “We have been fortunate in the past by generous sponsors. Regrettably, at present, we do not have any major sponsor and unless someone comes forward, we’ll be unable to stage the event.”
Along with the firework costs money is needed for other essentials such as road closures, licensing and night time entertainment. Kate added: “The fireworks display has always been really popular, but it’s at risk of being a victim of its own success.
“Initially they were held at Park Farm with an entrance fee charged. However, the event was so successful that a larger venue was needed and so it was relocated to the Whitesands. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to charge an entry fee for the Whitesands, although voluntary donations have been collected by Rotary club members, family and friends. These donations have been given over to the nominated charities advertised as the beneficiaries and last year, the magnificent sum of £3900 was split between children’s charities Cash for Kids and the Katha Lab Project.”
As the only large organised public firework display in the Dumfries area, the event attracts thousands of people every year. Kate said: “It’s not our role to pay for public events although we’re very willing and happy to stage them. Our role is raise money for worthy causes through these events. We really hope that this appeal will encourage a willing sponsor to come forward before mid September to ensure that we can yet again stage the fireworks display for the people in Dumfries.
“It would be a real shame to lose it.”
Anyone who wishes to support this project can contact the email address [email protected]
