THE fireworks display at Henley Royal Regatta has been saved.
The 170-year-old tradition will go ahead this year after the organisers announced they had found sponsors.
The event was under threat after the regatta committee, which used to sponsor the display, said it wouldn’t allow the organisers to use regatta land or property, blaming violence and anti-social behaviour in previous years.
Display organisers James Brennan, of vintage car company Hofmanns of Henley, and Angie Major, of business support organisation Blueberry Business, based near Didcot, began a search for new sponsors.
Now — with just over two weeks until the regatta starts — they have announced that the Henley Tesco store and the Copas Partnership in Remenham have agreed to provide the necessary backing. Tesco store manager David Sherlock said: “We know the regatta is a key event in our town that has been enjoyed by thousands of families, many of whom are our loyal customers, culminating in a fantastic fireworks display at the end of the event.
“Therefore we were glad to step in this year to help ensure the fireworks will still go ahead for the whole community to enjoy.”
Sarah Copas, of the Copas Partnership, said: “We are pleased to support the fireworks this year because it is such a highlight for Henley residents and regatta-goers on the Saturday evening.
“It is fantastic that the local business community has pulled together to make it happen.”
A40 Fireworks is to provide the display at cost price and Blueberry Business has designed a website to promote the fireworks all year round.
Royal Regatta secretary Daniel Grist said: “These fireworks will clearly be going ahead but are not taking place on our land. They are nothing to do with us.
“I will reiterate what we said before — we will not support these fireworks. They are not just potentially dangerous — we had a stabbing last year and we have seen the problem steadily escalating over a number of years.”
The display will take place at 10pm on Saturday, July 4 at Sham Hill after the land’s owner, Dr Raymond Crockett, gave his permission. For more information, go to www.henleyregattafireworks.co.uk
Published on 22 June 2009
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