Bonfire and fireworks display ‘could be last’

cardenden: Funding shortage threatens to put out annual spectacle

Fears have been raised that Cardenden’s annual bonfire and fireworks display is about to fizzle out due to a lack of cash.

The 2017 spectacular, one of the few main organised Guy Fawkes Night events left on the calendar in the region, will go ahead as planned in the village’s Wallsgreen Park on Friday November 3.

However, there are now concerns locally that next month’s gathering will be the last as the costs of laying on the event continue to spiral.

Alex Burns, chairman of Cardenden Community Bonfire Committee, has urged people to do what they can to save their local spectacle before it is too late.

“We would like to invite everyone along to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display and the lighting of the bonfire,” he said. “But due to ever increasing costs we might struggle to organise an event next year.”

Mr Burns said first aid and insurance costs had risen and the cost of the fireworks had gone up by £500 this year.

The group also had an additional financial burden in the shape of landfill costs totalling £1,500 that were paid to Fife Council last year.

Organisers estimate that this year’s event will cost the committee in the region of £7,000, which will drain its existing budget.

“Although we are fortunate to receive financial support from various sources, which is greatly appreciated, it is our belief that this year’s community bonfire and fireworks display might be our last,” added Mr Burns.

“With this in mind we would like to appeal to the many people who attend our event to help us out by adding a donation to our collecting cans.

“Every little helps and we appreciate all financial support received.”

Kevin Sayer, Fife Council’s Cowdenbeath community manager, acknowledged the work that goes on locally in putting on the annual display and said he hoped people would get behind the event.

He said: “The bonfire at Cardenden is eagerly anticipated every year and the committee who pull this all together do a great job year after year.

“It would be really disappointing if this were not to continue due to the costs involved.

“While Fife Council does not fund events such as this directly, each of the seven area committees have their own community budget to spend.

“Any community group can apply to the committee for financial support and councillors will make a decision on what the priorities are for their area.”

This year’s Cardenden bonfire and fireworks display will go ahead on November 3 at 7pm.

We would like to appeal to the many people who attend our event to help us out by adding a donation to our collecting cans. COMMUNITY BONFIRE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN ALEX BURNS