Gravesham council will not be putting on a fireworks display as sponsor not secured

A town’s annual fireworks display will not happen again after a new sponsor failed to come forward.

Gravesham council was forced to cancel its popular riverside event last year as, despite efforts, it was not able to secure a backer in time.

The local authority has not funded the display, which usually attracts thousands of people, for the past few years and has relied on sponsorship instead of using taxpayers’ money.

However, its most recent deal with Swale Heating ended in 2022 and the council has not been able to secure another supporter to fund the event since.

Speaking last year, the leader of Gravesham council Cllr John Burden (Lab), said: “I know this will be disappointing news for a lot of people, but we are not in a position where we can substitute council taxpayers’ money for the considerable and generous amount of sponsorship it took to put the show on.

“To do so would mean we would have to make the difficult decision of which other and likely more essential services we would need to deprive of several thousand pounds of funding to divert it to the fireworks event, which is not a decision that would sit well with me, my fellow members or, I am sure, the great majority of our residents.”

He reiterated the decision not to run a show last year was not a cost-cutting measure.

Despite efforts to secure a new sponsor in time for this year’s Bonfire Night, a spokesman for the local authority has said it has been unsuccessful meaning it can not put on an event.

However, the potential for future displays has not been ruled out.

In a statement, the spokesman said: “Unfortunately, we have not been able to secure support for a fireworks display in the borough this year.

“We are undertaking a review of the social value that the work of the council and other employers in the borough brings to the local community.

“As part of this, we are working with local businesses, our suppliers and developers to make the most of these opportunities, including sponsorship for local events.”

Although there will not be a council-run event in Gravesend this year, Age UK Rivers has confirmed it is planning a fireworks display at its community hub and extra care living accommodation, the Clarendon Royal Community.

A spokeswoman said: “The Clarendon Royal Community is overjoyed to be hosting Gravesham’s most extravagant firework display this year.”

The event will be held on Saturday, November 2, from 6pm with a fireworks display and a DJ later in the evening. Tickets cost £10 for adults and children go free.