When the fireworks team started discussing the 2024 event, we questioned whether we could go bigger and better than before, so we challenged ourselves to do just that. This is our biggest fundraiser for the club, and the money raised is ploughed back into the grounds, the clubhouse, members, and the club charity.
The date was set for Friday, 1st November, long before we realised it was half-term week—a rookie error on our part! However, we embraced the date and went with it! It turns out it wasn’t an issue. Despite some last-minute nerves about reaching numbers, the event was once again a sell-out.
Aware that last year we had some technical glitches due to the weather and damp fireworks, Drew and his crew got ahead of the game. They stored the fireworks in a dry store and spent three hours wrapping and protecting them! The plan worked, and the display went off on the night with only one rocket not firing.
Feedback from 2023 was all about the lack of bonfire! Ethan and his team got on to it, and this year, the bonfire returned, complete with a guy made by a club member’s brother last year and stored away until needed!
The food and drink vendors’ lineup included both new and returning vendors. All of them had great success and served some fantastic food and drink!
We bought in more funfair rides, along with popcorn and candyfloss offerings. The girl’s section operated the sweet stall while George and The Giant Pledge again sold all things glowing!
Parallel Skies returned to the stage this year and kept the atmosphere alive long after the fireworks had finished. It’s always good to have them playing, and if you want their details, please drop us a line.
Two bars were perhaps not enough, and we know there was quite a long wait time for drinks at some points in the evening. However, without the team of young bar staff “keeping it real,” things could have been a lot more hectic, so special thanks to them. We will learn from this year and improve for next year! Promise there will be more mulled wine!
Thanks to Priory Cricket Club for letting us to use their grounds as a drop-off loop. This allowed us to keep cars and pedestrians safely apart while allowing those who needed to park to do so quickly.
The Numbers:
- 52 volunteers
- 2250 tickets sold
- 2500 event attendees
- £18,000 raised for club and charity
Special thanks must go to the team that worked with me on this event. Alongside me at the core were Belinda Clark, Tim Bostel, Ethan Monk, and Drew Gibson. However, every volunteer who helped set up, run, or tidy up afterward helped make this event successful. Thank you for your support!
Mark your diary now for next year… 7th November 2025
Thanks
Kate Birinder-Ross, ORRFC Hon. Secretary
