Fireworks display organisers gutted at generator theft
THIEVES stole a generator worth thousands used at one of one of Bristol’s biggest firework displays.
About 12,000 people gathered for the display at the King George V Playing Fields in Downend, but thieves stole a large generator used during the night to power lighting.
Downend Round Table, which runs the display annually, said the cost of replacing the hired equipment will “make a big dent in what [attendees] helped us to raise”.
The group is a registered charity and all proceeds from the display are donated to good causes in the community.
Organisers say the generator was taken from the Westerleigh Road entrance to the playing fields, at some point after the end of the display. They have shared an appeal on social media asking for information or any CCTV that might help with the investigation.
A JustGiving page has been set up by one supporter in hope of raising money towards the cost of replacing the generator.
Paul Wells, fireworks chairman at Downend Round Table, said organisers were “very grateful” for the community’s support.
He said: “It’s very disappointing, we were all a bit taken by surprise.
“It’s quite a hefty thing, it couldn’t have just been taken by someone on a jolly. It would have to have been loaded onto something and needed a couple of people – quite the operation.”
The hired-out generator was being used on the night to help power strings of lighting at the playing fields, and he estimates it will cost in the region of £4,000 to replace.
He said they initially hoped it had just been misplaced and might turn up over the weekend, as was the case with a missing fire extinguisher later found in a bush, but no one has seen it.
A police spokesperson said: “If anyone has information about this incident, or saw anything suspicious, please call us on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5221 262 518.”