Fireworks Display returns for 2011

Presteigne St Andrews FC
Alan Randell and Jenni Simpson enlist the help of some younger helpers to build the guy

Last year the annual Presteigne Fireworks and Bonfire Display had to be cancelled due to problems around the site where the display had been for over 20 years.

Welsh Water own the land at the rear of Presteigne Footbal Club where the displays took place but they informed the club displays were no longer allowed due to the land being too close to their expensive sewage works plant.

Welsh Water had done extensive work the previous year upgrading the sewage works and said the equipment was too close to where the fireworks were to be let off and also to the bonfire.

The Football Club had never had any problems in more than 20 years of organising these events with particular attention to health and safety with the fire brigade and police in attendance every year.

The procession, fireworks and bonfire have long been a big part of tradition in Presteigne and was missed by many people in the town not least the children who looked forward to carrying the torches through the town following Guy Fawkes and seeing him burn on the fire.

Many other altermative venues were sought with little success by the football club who accepted defeat with no display in 2010.

Presteigne and Norton Twinning Association member and Presteigne and Norton Deputy Mayor, Jenni Simpson and the primary school governors approached Mr Watkins from Heartease who owns a field behind Presteigne Primary School with a veiw to holding a display this year and Mr Watkins kindly agreed.

Mrs Simpson then contacted the Football Club chairman Alan Randell with a view to doing a joint display at the primary school this year.

After several meetings and a lot of hard work it is now confirmed that there will be a grand fireworks display on Saturday, 5 November with the fire due to be lit at 7.00pm.

A torchlit procession will have a slightly different route this year due to the new venue – it will leave The Royal Oak at 6.30pm and proceed down the High Street and will then turn up Station Road at the mini roundabout and up on to Joe Deakins Way (the bypass). 

The procession will then turn into Slough Road up to the primary school.

Spectators are requested to watch the display from inside the primary school fence only and absolutely no spectators will be allowed on the field during the evening.

There is a “Build a Guy” competition at The Radnorshire Arms  – see posters or pop in for further details.

The winning guy will be used in the procession with all guys made being put on the fire on the night.

There will be the usual hot food refreshments available along with tea/coffee/soup and sweets and toffee apples.

Brutus will be providing the music at what promises to be a fun evening for all the family.

Admission will be £3.00 for adults, £1.00 for Under 16s with primary school children admitted free of charge.

For further details or if you would like to help in any way on the evening or make a donation towards the cost of the event please call Alan on 01544 260485.