Gloucester's annual fireworks display

Display location:Docks
City:Gloucester
Country: UK
Date:Nov.7.

Details: A CHARITY is urging people to support Gloucester's annual fireworks display - or face losing the event completely.

Gloucester Round Table's display will take place at the Docks next Saturday.

But last year (pictured) just 2,000 people turned out.

During previous years, more than 8,000 have turned out to watch the display.

Mark Day, president of Gloucester Round Table, said: "The display was amazing, but due to the wet weather and possibly the credit crunch the turnout was low.

"We did not even raise the full cost of the fireworks, let alone ancillary costs that include the provision of safety fencing, security and costs of the pontoon."

The 38-year-old said last year's loss put the future of the family event in doubt.

Each year the event requires a small army of volunteers, with about 70 needed on the night. It also needs more than six months of planning, co-ordination and support from a wide range of authorities - from the police and fire service through to British Waterways and residents - to allow the event to take place.

Mr Day added: "We need your support if we are to keep this family event going.

"We need a good turnout, so please come along on Saturday and have fun whilst giving something back to the community.

"The Docks is a fantastic location with the backdrop and reflection of the fireworks in the water beside a 20-minute display set to music.

"There are a host of fairground rides, catering stalls and other entertainment."

Gloucester Round Table lays on the display each year as well as raising money for Gloucestershire charities, generating more than £100,000 in the past 12 years for charities such as Winston's Wish, the James Hopkins Trust, the Pied Piper Appeal, Severn Area Rescue Association and Wooden Spoon.

This year's event will be opened by Warren Moore from Heart FM, gates open at 6pm with fireworks starting at 7.15pm.

Advance tickets are available at Gloucester Tourist Office in Southgate Street or from the Gloucester Docks office at the entrance to the Docks. Adult tickets are £4.50 in advance or £5 on the night. Children's tickets £2 or £2.50 on the night and a family ticket is £12, £14 on the night.