Events boss throws down gauntlet after '˜awesome' Morecambe fireworks event

Up to 5,000 people braved the rain to enjoy the first major bonfire and fireworks event on the seafront in 15 years – and applauded with appreciation after the fireworks display over the Jetty.

Now Brian Bromiley, head of the organising committee, has thrown down the gauntlet to our local councils to help him make it an annual event.

Mr Bromiley, chairman of the Morecambe Events Co-Operative, said: “It was awesome – we’ve had so much feedback saying how good it was.

“It’s just a pity Lancaster City Council won’t help us.

“Events like this for the community of Morecambe, they should be saying ‘how can we help?’ But that’s not going to happen.”

Thursday night’s event, which was free to the public, was part-funded by Morecambe Town Council and held on Lancaster City Council land near where The Dome used to be.

Mr Bromiley said it cost £4,000, £1,000 of which was funded by the town council and the rest the organisers had to raise themselves.

He said he’d need more funding to ensure the event goes ahead next year.

“We asked for £3,000,” he said.

“The council thinks we profit from these events but it’s the other way around. It’s not the kind of event that can make money unless we charge people to attend.

“Professionally-run displays like this stop people from lighting bonfires and fireworks at home where accidents can happen.”

He praised the fireworks display, supplied by Morecambe firm Rileys.

There was also an after-party at The Carleton venue with DJs Trevor Cooke and Ian Roberts.

Coun Darren Clifford, chairman of Morecambe Town Council, said: “I was really proud, the event was very professionally run.

“I would encourage them to apply for funding for next year.”

Coun Brendan Hughes, Lancaster City Council cabinet member for environmental services, said: “The city council is pleased that its land can be used for organised events like this and recognises very much the contribution they make to the wider community and economy.

“The only charge the city council is making is the standard £25 admin fee for an event of this type.”

Mr Bromiley said there were two incidents on the night; a lost child who was then found, and a woman was taken to hospital.

A spokesman for North West Ambulance said they were called at 7.29pm after a woman in her 60s was taken ill. She was taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Her condition is not known.

*Our thanks to Jan Kopanski for the YouTube video of the fireworks display.