WINCHESTER will host the only fireworks event in the country put on by the community for the community, as volunteers have been given the go-ahead to leave their homes to run the event, despite being in lockdown.
Winchester Round Table have been given permission for a small number of people to leave their houses for limited number of hours on Saturday to put on its annual fireworks night which raises thousands for charity each year.
After cancelling the traditional torchlight procession, display and bonfire at River Park, organisers have reimagined the event as ‘Light Up Winchester’.
It will combine fireworks displays, hot air balloons over key city landmarks, live drone footage, and mass community participation of torch bearing.
Today the Roundtable has announced that despite the country being in lockdown Winchester City Council and the Safety Advisory Group have given the event the go-ahead after reviewing the plans.
It will mean that volunteers can fulfil torch orders from customers and facilitate the fireworks and hot air balloons.
Using a combination of torches and wax candles, members of the public are being asked to raise their lights into the sky at the same time as spectacular fireworks are set off from three secret and private locations around the city.
Harnessing the latest in drone filming technology, a live stream of both the fireworks and the streets lit up by the public will be broadcast.
In return for organising this festival of light, residents and bonfire supporters are invited to make a donation in lieu of the usual cost of their bonfire ticket.
The 2019 event raised £60,000 and that money will be missed by the city at a time when the effects of Covid-19 are impacting communities.
Winchester’s MP Steve Brine has joined city Mayor Cllr Patrick Cunningham in showing their support for the adapted fireworks night, along with event sponsors Soils Limited, Millgate, Belgarum, Dutton Gregory, Godwins, Cala Homes, Studio Four Architects, Wine Utopia, Blades Bikes, Sprechen and Mint Signs.
Residents are asked to be on their doorsteps at 6.45pm with the event starting at 7pm on Saturday November 7.
To donate to charity by buying a candle to take part in the event, go to www.winchesterbonfire.co.uk.
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