The cost of holding Burnham-On-Sea’s annual seafront fireworks display will be more than £10,000 this year, the Town Council has revealed.
The display is scheduled to take place on Sunday 8th November – the night before the Highbridge and Burnham Carnival – with a sparkling line-up of fireworks.
However, because a high tide will occur at the same time, a rig of specialised scaffolding will be needed on the jetty to launch the fireworks.
At this month’s meeting of the Town Council’s Town Projects Committee, councillors were told the cost of the scaffolding would be £2,275.
Cllr Nick Tolley voiced his concerns about the charge, telling the meeting: “It’s important that we approach several suppliers here to try and reduce the costs. It seems very high.”
Town Clerk Denise Emery assured councillors: “This is a bit different to normal scaffolding – it needs to be quickly and safely assembled on the day of the display on the jetty and to be exactly what the fireworks people need to launch their fireworks.”
Cllr Paul Young added: “The fireworks are part of an important weekend for Burnham that brings in thousands of people.”
Cllr John Parkes questioned whether the costs could be reduced by having a more stringent procurement policy in place at the council, but the Clerk said this
The council is to further investigate the costs and then consult with the Policy and Finance Committee to discuss whether the extra funding can come from council reserves, alongside an appeal to local businesses.
Large crowds line The Esplanade to watch the display, which is held on the night before Burnham-On-Sea Carnival.
