BLAIR IN BOOM AT FIREWORKS DISPLAY
First event in years deemed a huge success
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 occurance.
The event was organised by Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council, who estimate that there were more than a thousand people at the display, which was funded by donations from members of the public and local businesses.
Morag Young from Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council told the Blairie: “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 Howes, 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 was
one of the hundreds of people who enjoyed themselves.
She said: “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 happen.
“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.”
Councillor Tom McEwen 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.”
One local resident told the Blairie: “I think it is amazing what Morag Young has organised in such a short time. It was great to see so many people come out and support the event and enjoying themselves and hopefully it has started a new tradition that will carry on for many years to come.”
Another resident, Rachel Stallard, commented: “It is really good that they have put this event on, it’s been absolutely brilliant, the fireworks were just wonderful.
“It’s been years since we have had something like this in the town and it is great not to have to drive to Perth or Dundee for an organised display.”
For more pictures from the bonfire night celebrations in both Blairgowrie and Coupar Angus, see pages 18 and 19 of this week’s Blairie.
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 Wellmeadow.
The fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/brcclocalevents