Alnwick fireworks display cancelled - but plan for new Santa sleigh aims to ensure it returns with a bang

The event at Alnwick Rugby Club normally attracts hundreds of spectators on the Saturday closest to Bonfire Night.

Olly Brown, chairman of Alnwick Round Table, said: “Unfortunately this year we are not able to run our usual community firework display at Alnwick Rugby Club due to Covid-19 constraints.

"This decision was not taken lightly and primarily was made in the best interests of keeping all of our community safe during these strange times.

"Usually, we self fund this display from all entrance on the gate from the previous year, as well as a small amount of money from our duck race and beer festival.

"We would like to take this opportunity with two weeks to go to remind everyone to be responsible and safe as fireworks are starting to be sold and we are unable to do our usual display, we don't want to hear of any accidents from back garden displays. We expect to be fully back in 2021 with our annual display.”

However, the organisation has plans that aims to bring a smile to people’s faces in the lead up to Christmas.

“We have come up with a plan in order to get the 2021 fireworks off the ground and hopefully bigger and better than ever before,” said Olly.

"Given the success of the summer Santa sleigh, and the constraints on other local charities due to Covid, we have decided to roll out our own Santa sleigh for 2020, to sister the Alnwick Lions Santa sleigh!

"We will be building the sleigh from scratch, so are looking for sponsors and donations to support the sleigh, to allow us to run this as an annual event for years to come.”

"During the route we will be taking donations to support Alnwick Round Table and the local community, but we have yet to nominate any specific causes and will do it due course.”

For more information and to register your interest in seeing Santa pass your driveway in December, please register your interest on its website www.alnwickroundtable.co.uk/santasleigh

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