Published: March 17, 2008
Future of Burnham-On-Sea fireworks plunged into doubt

The future of Burnham-On-Sea's popular seafront fireworks display was plunged into doubt on Monday night (March 17th) when the town council said it needs to raise thousands of pounds to save the event.

Cash-strapped Sedgemoor District Council, which has run the display for several years, has told the town council it can no longer afford to organise the event due to its £1.8m funding shortfall.

Anxious town councillors decided at a meeting on Monday that they would need to launch an action group to try and attract financial backing from local firms to save it.

The annual fireworks display - which was cancelled in 2007 due to strong winds - often attracts crowds of up to 5,000 people along The Esplanade on the evening before November's street carnival.

But the 2008 display is in doubt because of Sedgemooor's £1.8m financial shortfall. Councillor Eric Gill explained: "Sedgemoor District Council wants to have very little to do with running events in this town in the near future because of its financial problems. A meeting with their Corporate Director has showed us that a line is being drawn under Burnham's fireworks display."

However, town councillors said on Monday evening they would not give up the event without a fight.

Cllr Dennis Davey said: "Burnham is very well-known for this fireworks display. The disappointment last year when it couldn't be held was amazing. It's important the display is held - it really enhances the carnival weekend."

A committee is to be set up, comprising Mayor Pauline Pollard and other councillors, plus Chamber of Trade Chairman Alex Turco, to investigate how the future of the event can be secured.

Town Clerk Eileen Shaw said a number of issues would need to be fully considered by the group.

"If we were to take on the running of the fireworks we would need to be very careful about exposing ourselves to the risks at such an event and fully examine our public liability insurance. It would be very time-consuming and a steep learning curve for us all."

Sedgemoor District Council announced earlier this year that the 2008 triathlon and aquathon would be proceeding and it also safeguarded the Stert Island Swim's future by involving a third party group - but there has been no official word until this week on the fireworks.

RELATED LINKS:

Disappointment as 2007 fireworks are cancelled
Video of Burnham seafront fireworks in 2006
Big crowds watch Burnham-On-Sea's 2005 fireworks