Art and fireworks spark smiles across Mid Argyll
COMMUNITY spirit came to the fore at Lochgilphead’s bonfire night celebrations.
Weeks and months of preparation came to colourful fruition for the main bonfire and fireworks event, organised by Mid Argyll Round Table – but also for the many artists who masterminded Ignite, a light-based arts festival for youngsters.
With a sprinkling of top-notch jazz music later the same the evening in the drill hall, Lochgilphead people worked together to create something fantastic.
On a chilly Saturday evening, a goodnatured crowd of more than 1,000 people gathered on the front green to hear None the Wiser kick off proceedings.
The traditional bonfire was accompanied by an even bigger bang or two, as spectators enjoyed a display widely acknowledged as one of the best ever seen locally.
The afternoon and evening leading up to the main event had seen imaginative art installations, created by local young people, revealed around town.
One of the primary organisers behind the Ignite festival was Mid Argyll artist Sian MacQueen, who said: ‘Our aim was to keep community art a big part of the bonfire night celebrations and keep open the dialogue about the missing lantern parade. Everything was really well received so overall it was a great success.’
Mid Argyll Round Table chairman Colin MacFarlane added: ‘We felt the event went extremely well. The fireworks display was well received by spectators and we are grateful to Saltire Fireworks for the professional display.’
Some £2,600 was collected by the Round Table in buckets during the evening, covering just under half the cost of the fireworks.
Mr MacFarlane continued: ‘Donations from the local business community will be added to funds already raised this year by the local table, hopefully to cover the cost of the evening. Many thanks to everyone who came out to support the show and those who donated time, resources or funds to help us deliver this community event.’
PLENTY of Mid Argyll people want to see the return of a lantern parade but so far too few have come forward to make it happen.
Sian MacQueen outlined what the Artmap Argyll organisation plans to do in order to turn hope into reality. She said: ‘We will call a meeting soon to again try to bring a committee of people together who can make the Ignite event happen next year, and include a parade.
‘We believe there are enough skills around but we do need people to come forward and offer some time if they want it to happen.’
Indeed, the future of the bonfire night celebrations is far from certain, as Mid Argyll Round Table chairman Colin MacFarlane explained. He said: ‘We are keen to speak with businesses and organisations who would be interested in sponsoring the event in future and will look into alternative funding streams to see if we can deliver this annual display next year.
‘A common misconception is that we receive funding from Argyll and Bute Council. We do not. We fund this event entirely through on the night donations and support from local businesses.’