THE hopes of England’s rugby team may have gone up in smoke when they got knocked out of the group stages of the World Cup – but on Saturday they’ll be on fire thanks to the Wokingham Fireworks festival.
The recent sporting event – which ended last weekend when New Zealand beat Australia in the final at Twickenham – forms the theme for the display at Cantley Park on Saturday.
It is just part of one of Wokingham’s biggest events which this year celebrates its 27th birthday.
The event starts with a torchlit procession from the Town Hall, headed up by local leaders and Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band, walking down Broad Street and Milton Road on the way to Cantley Park.
An estimated 500 firelit torches will be held as thousands of people take part in the procession. It is something that organiser Alan Rouse said is “quite impressive”.
He added: “It’s great seeing so many people taking part in this traditional event. It’s hard work leading up to it but lots of people turn out and enjoy themselves and raise thousands for charities.”
Then, on arrival at Cantley Park, people can enjoy a funfair, hear music from Heart FM and enjoy some traditional bonfire snacks from a range of vendors.
The fireworks will start at 7.30pm, followed by a bonfire.
Entry is by programmes which can be bought on the gate.
Volunteers will also be selling them in Wokingham town centre tomorrow (Saturday) for £7.50. However, if you buy them in advance today (Friday) they are just £5 and available from Wokingham Town Hall, Tesco in Finchampstead Road, Newbury Building Society in Broad Street and Barclays Bank and Clarks Shoes in Market Place.
The event is organised by the Wokingham Fireworks Society, a collaboration between the Windsor Forest Unicorn Club, Thames West Unicorn Club, Easthampstead Rotary Club, Wokingham Rotary Club and Wokingham Lions. The aim is to make money for local charities and good causes.
Mr Rouse said that the consortium is a good way to organise one of the borough’s biggest displays.
He said: “It is good to see everyone working together in this way. We have a good working relationship – and the borough council are supportive of us as well.
“It’s good for the town I think.”
The groups have set themselves a high target for fundraising, but the amount raised depends on how many people come along on Saturday.
He said: “We hope to get between £20,000 and £25,000 – and that depends on the weather. We avidly watch the forecast – it’ll probably rain in the morning, but it should dry up in the afternoon.
“It might be a bit muddy.”
Last year was the first time the event had to be postponed. Instead of taking place on Saturday, it was shifted to Sunday after heavy rain swept across the borough.
Mr Rouse continued: “Last year was very muddy and we had to postpone by a day. That was a bit of last minute panic! On Thursday Morning we made a decision to postpone it. Fortunately everyone [involved with the display] was able to help.
“This time last year there was a lot of panicking, but this year it’s looking quite good.”
So it seems to be a perfect night out for all the family. A parade, a fun fair, food, fireworks and that Rugby World Cup.
But there is one burning question… given that England had a dreadful Rugby World Cup, getting knocked out in the group stages, has Mr Rouse considered turning the team into guys to stick on the bonfire?
“I’m tempted,” he laughed.
For more details, log on to www.wokingham-fireworks.co.uk
