New Milton Round Table fireworks event set for Fawcett’s Field this Friday

A TWICE postponed community firework display is set to go ahead in New Milton after its organisers warned their charity would face “impossible” losses without the revenue it generates.

New Milton Round Table was forced to reschedule its annual fireworks display twice in the past few weeks, with the event now set to go ahead at Fawcett’s field on Friday evening.

Initially due to take place on 28th October, the Round Table were forced to pull the plug after site owners New Milton Town Council told them it was unsafe to go ahead because of the field’s waterlogged state.

The fireworks were subsequently rescheduled for Sunday 5th November, but heavy rain and strong winds caused by Storm Ciaran meant the Round Table were again told they could not go ahead.

The group, which is run by volunteers and donates all profits to local good causes, has warned it faced a £5,000 bill for the event whether or not it went ahead.

Round Table spokesperson Sean Reeves said: “We would have still be liable for the cost of the fireworks which would have likely meant the end of the New Milton Round Table.

“We really hope the community will support us in this event so that we can continue supporting local charities, as we have done in New Milton for the last 85 years.”

New Milton Round Table sought community support for the rescheduled event via social media and also looked into the feasibility of offering a low-noise drone display.

However, this was ruled out because it costs around £25,000 for a half-hour show.

In response to concerns that wildlife such as hedgehogs could have hidden in the bonfire, the Round Table has arranged for New Milton firefighters to check the area with a heat seeking camera on Friday afternoon ahead of the event.

Sean said: “All profits from the display will go straight back to helping the community so we really hope that as many people as possible will come along and support us.”

“We had a meeting with the Town Council on Monday, and it has been agreed that the event will definitely go ahead on Friday whatever the weather – but we are just keeping our fingers crossed that the forecast is right and it will stay dry until around midnight.”

Gates open at 5.30pm, the fire will be lit at 6pm and then the display will begin at 7pm.

Admission is £6 for adults and £4 for children. Food and drink stalls including a bar will be operating.

For more details visit www.facebook.com/nmround.table

As reported in the A&T, the Round Table recently warned that without new recruits a popular Santa sleigh will not be able to visit local communities this year.

The group, which is down to four key members, wants to hear from any local groups or clubs who could help out with the sleigh.

Sean said: “New members always welcomed. All men aged 18-40 can join.

“Events are midweek too, so they don’t clash with family time or other friendships. We also give back to the community now and then and have a great laugh doing it.”

For more information on joining New Milton Round Table or supporting the travelling Santa sleigh, email newmiltonroundtable@gmail.com