Bonfire display may fizzle out

7:37am Thursday 21st August 2008

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WINCHESTER'S spectacular fireworks event may have to be cancelled for the first time in 50 years unless a new sponsor comes forward, organisers fear.

Members of Winchester Round Table have been responsible for putting on the massive free show every year, which includes a popular torchlit procession through the city.

The show raises thousands of pounds for Hampshire charities and relies on sponsorship from local businesses to cover its costs.

But city firms are so cashstrapped due to the current economic climate, that they are unable to support the event, according to Round Table member Steve Lewis.

"It's the impact of the credit crunch," he said.

"When all the business people are having to run a tight ship, you can't just go along and ask for four- or five-figure sums.

"It's a real eye opener as to how it affects day-to-day community stuff.

"We're pulling our hair out at the moment trying to think of ways and means of getting the money.

"We're going to do everything we can to make sure it runs, but frankly there's a chance it won't."

Belgarum Estate Agents, which has been the event's main sponsor for the last few years, is still sponsoring the event this year, but is no longer the main sponsor, and no other companies have come forward to assist yet.

Mr Lewis said that few Winchester businesses have been able to offer considerable sums in support, and that there was a strong possibility the event would have to be axed.

He added that if the event went ahead and made a loss, Round Table members would have to pay out of their own pockets.

The event, which costs around £16,000 to stage, is funded by corporate sponsorship and sale of programmes.

Money donated on the night by the public makes up most of what is raised for charity, and the total raised for good causes last year was around £29,000.

Mr Lewis said the Round Table has around £10,000 in its charity pot, but it was not prepared to spend money that was meant for worthy causes on running this year's show.

He added that cutting back on costs was not a viable option either, and added: "It's such a big event and well known, we can't really cut back on the fireworks.

"We can't say sorry guys, credit crunch, we're just going to put three fireworks up!'"

A proportion of the cost is for safety barriers to protect the public - not from the fireworks - but from falling in the river.

A spokeswoman from Naomi House Children's Hospice, which has benefited from money raised at the event in the past, said it would be a shame if the event were to be cancelled this year.

She said: "Naomi House has benefited from generous support from the Winchester Round Table in the past, and we would hope that this will continue into the future."

John Leeson, managing director of Belgarum and last year's bonfire chairman of the Round Table, said: "We've been the main sponsor of the bonfire for about four years now and would like to give someone else the opportunity."

The Round Table is appealing for Winchester businesses to dig deep and donate whatever they can afford to the event.

To pledge your help call Steve Lewis on 07768 578000.

*What do you think? What are your memories of the bonfire displays in Winchester? Can you help? Add your comments below.