Having just quickly glanced at the County Press I noticed that the fireworks for cowes week may be axed. The body responsible Cowes Week Ltd bleating on about fairness and why the 1000 or so entrants pay for the 75000. Can it not be argued that yet again it is the ‘haves’ wanting the ‘have nots’ to fund their last night jolly?
Cowes Week fireworks !
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Since the fireworks display is watched and enjoyed by about 75,000 people, I find it hard to understand someone who thinks that the competitors are in some way trying to get their own enjoyment subsidised.
I would turn the comment totally around and suggest that for the last few years, the competitors have paid for the enjoyment of the wider community.
We intend to ensure that the competitors (through part of their entry fees) and the regatta as a whole should continue to contribute to the display – but only a fair share.
On a personal note, when our kids were younger, we went to fireworks displays out of choice and were always happy to contribute to their cost, either by donation or entry fee depending on the venue – this is no different.
Hi Gary
I note that you say there have been no comments to this post. I wonder why you decided to delete my reply (posted yesterday). Could it be that the ‘voice of the Island’ is only the voice that you want to hear?
Stuart Quarrei, CEO, Cowes Week Ltd
Firstly where does the figure of 75000 come from?. Are you considering charging a viewing fee and if so how much? If I happen to be in Southampton would a contribution still apply? I am also intrigued regarding your comment about the voice of the island. Perhaps you can clarify.
The ‘voice of the island’ is shouting loud and clear on the ‘Cowes Week Fireworks’ group on Facebook. 800 members in 5 days with a further 2,000 invites to be confirmed and growing by the day!
Excellent idea Lee! for the fireworks to be axed during Cowes week would be a great shame considering the amount of revenue it brings not only to Cowes, but to the Island.
We need to support the events that take place on and around the Island, not discourage them from happening!
I think it would be a shame for the fireworks to be axed, but I would not go if we had to pay for it. It is like Wight Air now that event has gone to the main land and we have lost all that revenue, and Sandown was a great place to have it.Wight air started on the island by people who live and work here, they worked hard over the years to build it up and now it has gone!!!! What a loss for the island.
The ‘Save Cowes Week Fireworks’ group on Facebook is now over 2,500 members and still growing by the day!
I would like to hear from Mr. Quarrie about the latest developments on the fireworks and hear his thoughts about killing off a island tradition that the Isle of Wight cannot afford to lose!
Fantastic news…
Cowes Week Limited is appealing to the local business community, sailors, and members of the public to show their support for the traditional Cowes Week fireworks display by making an online donation to a new fund that has been set up to help raise money for the event.
There has already been a significant contribution towards the cost of the extravaganza from a generous anonymous donor, and the 3,591 members of the Facebook group, Save Cowes Week Fireworks, have pledged to contribute towards the display. However, there are still considerable funds to be raised.
“If you feel strongly about the Cowes Week fireworks, we ask you to play your part in ensuring that the display goes ahead by making a donation,” says Stuart Quarrie, CEO of Cowes Week Limited. “We are extremely grateful for the support we have already received from the local business community, sailors, members of the public and of course from our anonymous donor, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them publicly. However, there is still a way to go to ensure the show will go on.”
Since Cowes Week Limited asked the local business community to help fund the annual firework display earlier this year, there has been huge support from Isle of Wight businesses and from individuals. The money donated will go towards the cost of policing the event and the extensive infrastructure needed to ensure the safety of the display.
Anyone who wants to make a donation (the minimum endowment is £1.00) can do so through the official Cowes Week website at
http://www.cowesweek.co.uk