THE Henley Royal Regatta fireworks display banned by the regatta committee could still take place this year.

James Brennan, who organised last year’s display, has found a new site and is now in a race against time to find sponsorship.

It seemed the end of the road for the 170-year-old tradition when the committee announced in February that it had banned the use of its land for the display. Secretary Daniel Grist said he was sad the committee was having to impose the ban but blamed an increase in drunkenness, bad behaviour and damage to its land and equipment for the decision.

He said an incident last year when a Belgian rower was stabbed and two others were slashed across the face was the last straw.

Mr Brennan was disappointed at the decision but said he understood why the committee had made it.

He then set about seeking another site. He contacted Dr Ray Crockett, who lives in Remenham and gave permission for the fireworks to be set off from Sham Hill, which he owns.

Mr Brennan said although he was delighted to have found a new location, there was still a long way to go.

He said: “I am very grateful to the Copas family who put me in touch with Dr Crockett, and I am grateful to him for his kind offer.

“Now the job of finding sponsors is vital. The regatta used to give us the grand-stands at no charge and use of its land for the car parking as well as make a donation, all of which was worth about £5,000.

“To be comfortable, we will need to raise £10,000 for the display to go ahead. It is a lot of money but we are hoping there are enough people out there who want to see the fireworks saved and will get involved in sponsorship.”

Dr Crockett said he was happy to offer Sham Hill for the display. “I have lived here for 30 years and I believe the display is part of Henley,” he said.

“I believe that for the regatta to impose the ban wasn’t on.

“Over the years a number of young people have climbed to the top of Sham Hill to watch the fireworks and they have always been pretty well behaved.”

Mr Brennan said he was already in talks with Kimbolton Fireworks, which had traditionally supplied the fireworks and organised the display.

“If we can pull this off, people from every garden in Henley ought to be able to see the fireworks,” he said.

“The display would take place, as always, on the Saturday of the regatta. The only difference would be the location.

“We will be liaising closely with the police over safety issues.”

The fireworks have experienced a difficult few years.

The organising committee cancelled the event in 2003, saying it was untenable due to insurance and safety concerns.

Businessman Geoff Knight stepped in and saved it but said he couldn’t carry on and gave up in 2007.

Mr Brennan, a director of the classic car company Hofmann’s of Henley, then volunteered to ran the display.


Published on 27 April 2009 by the Henley Standard, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.