For the sixth successive year Celton Manx is to sponsor Douglas Borough Council’s public fireworks display.
The event will be held on Saturday November 5th, starting at 7.30pm when the Mayor of Douglas John Skinner will lead the judging for the Best Guy competition, with the awards of ?100, ?50 and ?25 for first, second and third places respectively to be presented later in the month in the mayor’s parlour at Douglas town hall.
At 7.45pm the fireworks display, set to music, will be fired from the beach – the bonfire will be lit shortly afterwards - and spectators are encouraged to watch the event in the vicinity of the war memorial, where catering outlets will also be located.
Manx Radio, the council’s media partner for the event, will be broadcasting live audio coverage of the display.
The event will also provide an opportunity to raise funds for ‘Sophie’s Lodge’, a disabled-friendly lodge at Glen Wyllin campsite in memory of Sophie Birtles, for whom the site was a much-loved spot and who died on June 9 this year from the rare and, as yet, incurable degenerative disorder Juvenile Sandhoff disease.
Poignantly, Sophie’s favourite song was Firework sung by pop star Katy Perry, who was alerted to the 13-year-old’s condition through an online campaign and sent her a personal video message. Her mother, Alison Birtles, said: ‘Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far and for the support shown to us.’
Regeneration and community committee chairman Stephen Pitts said: ‘The council’s fireworks display is a hugely popular event, thanks to generous sponsorship from Celton Manx, the hard work of council staff, notably those from electrical services, and support from our media partner, Manx Radio. The display provides a safe and secure setting in which to enjoy what will undoubtedly be a spectacular show, one which this year will help to support the legacy of a very brave young girl.’
Celton Manx executive director Bill Mummery said: ‘This event is always extremely well managed and makes for a great family night out which attracts people to Douglas from all over the Island. It also creates a vibrant atmosphere in the town centre which has the potential to boost footfall and benefit local businesses such cafes, restaurants and bars.
‘This year’s event has, of course, an added dimension, in that it will serve to raise funds for Sophie’s Lodge. At Celton Manx we have witnessed through our Recognition programme - which provides support to the smaller more “under the radar” causes - the unfailing generosity of the people of the Isle of Man, and Sophie’s story has clearly captured the hearts and minds of many. We are therefore pleased not only to be sponsoring, once again, the council’s fireworks display but also to be lending added visibility to such a deserving campaign.’
Entries for the Best Guy competition must be submitted between 7.10 and 7.25pm at the staged area in the vicinity of the war memorial.
Parking will be suspended from 3 until 9.30pm on Harris Promenade east side where traffic will be restricted to a single lane (southbound) between Broadway and a point opposite the northernmost end of the Marine Gardens from 6 to 9.30pm. (Free parking available in Chester Street car park).
In the interests of safety spectators are requested not to bring pets or their own fireworks, including sparklers, onto the site.
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