Bonfire night fuels up community spirit
Spectacular fireworks follow fundraising
Blairgowrie and Rattray residents were treated to a spectacular firework display and bonfire night party at Davie Park on Saturday night thanks to a successful fundraising appeal.
This was the first time in a number of years that there has been a bonfire night celebration in the town and organisers, who are delighted with the success of the event, are already planning to make it an annual occurrence.
The event was organised by Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council, who estimate that there were more than 1000 people at the display – which was funded by donations from members of the public and local businesses.
Community councillor Morag Young said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better night - we are just totally blown away by how well it all went.
“It was cold but the fireworks were outstanding and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
“We would like to thank John Kettles from Blast Designs for all his advice and support, East of Scotland Farmers and Davidsons Veterinary Supplies for donating pallets, Tayside Contracts for supplying the barriers and cones, and everyone who donated to the appeal on the crowdfunding page or who put money in the buckets.
“Big thanks also to Bob Smith from Robert Smith Contractors, Matt and Kevin from Howe’s, all the volunteers on the night, our ‘fantastic 500’ – the Proctor Group, the Rotary Club of Blairgowrie, One Voice, Thomas Thomson, Castle Water and Trade Solutions.
“It was a great night for families and we are already thinking about next year’s event.”
Councillor Caroline Shiers, who represents the Blairgowrie and Glens ward, declared: “What a fantastic event! A huge well done to the community council and Morag and Derrick Young in particular.
“It was a case of a ‘wouldn’t it be fantastic to see a bonfire night event in the town again?’ discussion at a meeting and then they made it
By the bonfire are Summer Hamilton (8) from Rattray and Tianna Wilson (6) from Blairgowrie happen too.
“Thanks also to everyone who contributed - be that small amounts through the crowdfunding campaign, donations in the buckets on the night or the larger business donations.
“Hopefully the momentum can be built upon and further similar events can be held in future.”
Tom McEwen, also a local councillor, added: “What a great fireworks display in Davie Park on Saturday, what an effort by the community council, especially Morag Young, to get so much organised in a very short space of time - and run so well on the night - it all bodes well for next year.
“Both my daughters jumped out of their skins when that first firework went off! And despite the cold, we had a great time.”
It’s not too late to donate to the fundraising appeal as the community council is still raising money for a new town centre nativity scene and Christmas tree for the town’s Wellmeadow.
It can be found via www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ brcclocalevents
Derrick and Morag Young. Pic: Stephen Gibas