The skies will be lighting up later this year – the annual Wokingham Fireworks procession and display is set to come back with a bang.
Wokingham Fireworks Charitable Trust is making preparations to hold the bonfire night celebration on Saturday, November 6.
Organised by volunteers from Wokingham Lions Club, Rotary Clubs of Wokingham and Easthampstead and two local Unicorn Clubs, it is one of the biggest displays in the area and is a highlight in the borough’s calendar.
It includes a torchlit procession from the town hall to Cantley Park, as well as a funfair and food stalls.
Last year’s event was a victim of the coronavirus pandemic and the Trust was forced to cancel for the first time in 32 years.
Now, organisers are hoping this year’s event can run but are proceeding with caution.
“It’s covid-permitting of course, but we’re making positive plans to go ahead in November” said David Gold, chair of Wokingham Fireworks Charitable Trust. “We were extraordinarily disappointed having to cancel last year.”
Mr Gold said the Trust has had a difficult few years organising the annual event, and hopes 2021 will be smooth sailing.
“In 2019, due to strong winds, we had to postpone Wokingham Fireworks by 24 hours,” he explained.
“Then, the year before that, there was a gas leak which coincided virtually with the street parade from Market Place.
“We’ve had some issues to deal with but, undaunted, we’re going ahead and making plans for this year.”
Wokingham Fireworks Charitable Trust has booked MC Production Group to put on this year’s fireworks display.
Mr Gold said the group, which has choreographed the pyrotechnics in recent years, will be “fabulous”.
And he hopes the event will help raise vital funds for local charities which have struggled throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Every year, the Trust donates the evening’s profits to five nominated organisations.
This year, they are: Citizens Advice Wokingham, Coram Life Education, Wokingham Day Hospice, Topic of Cancer, and Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.
“The most important thing for us is that every penny profit is donated,” Mr Gold said. “And it’s more important than ever this year.
“Charities have suffered terribly over the past 12 months, with many cancelling their fundraising events.”
On average, the event raises £25,000 in profit but made a record £28,000 in 2017.
Mr Gold said Wokingham Fireworks is “a great community event” and hopes the Trust will be able go the whole nine yards this year.
If all goes to plan, that means residents will be able to take part in the famous torchlight procession from Market Place to Cantley Park, accompanied by Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band, and then enjoy the funfair and fireworks as usual.
“The fireworks display is always second to none, and I hope it can go ahead so we can lift people’s spirits,” Mr Gold said.
Wokingham Fireworks Charitable Trust is currently working with the council to approve plans for the event.
For more information, visit: www.wokingham-fireworks.co.uk
