Cash crisis halts Firework Fiesta

Bristol will have no Fireworks Fiesta on Bonfire Night next month because of last year's washout November.

The Clifton Downs event has been running for more than 30 years and is organised by Clifton Rotary Club and Bristol Round Table.

It costs £40,000 to stage and raises money for local charities.

But last year only 3,500 spectators turned up instead of the expected 15,000 - resulting in a £19,000 loss for the event.

The event organising committee says it now has almost no money in reserve and the Firework Fiesta will not take place this year.

However, organisers hope a benefactor can be found to rescue the event in time for next year.

Clifton Rotary Club spokesman John Knight said: "We are disappointed because we're there to serve the charities and now we've got to find alternative funding.

"Last year we lost a considerable amount of money. We had to stop and take stock."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/bristol/somerset/8295349.stm