Joanne Warnock
A north-east community’s first fireworks spectacular has proved so successful that it will be repeated next year.
Newmachar village’s community-funded event at Charles Gordon Football Park attracted more than 1,800 people.
Enough money was put into collection buckets on the night to secure another display.
And organisers say the sequel will be even bigger and better..
The village event was organised by The Newmachar Rockets, a team made up of local residents who have a three-year licence to run it.
Chairman, Bruce Danraj said: “We counted over 1,800 people on the gates, but have since learned that a significant number of people were also watching from surrounding streets and back gardens.”
He said: “We received a significant amount of money through the collection buckets which now allows us to secure next years display, and with another fundraiser event next year the event will get bigger and better.”
Praising the community effort that enabled Saturday’s event, he said: “I used to organise a small display with the Newmachar Scouts every year, so this really grew from that.
“The village really has come together, we have had small and large donations and also held a ‘Rock n Roll’ bingo fundraiser. In total we raised £3,000.
“We have had fantastic community support and couldn’t have done it without the community council and all the Rockets team.
“Apart from buying walkie-talkies for the team and contracting in Fireworks Scotland, we have had no major outlay. Everything else has been donated free-of-charge, even all the pallets for the bonfire.”
Newmachar resident Fiona MacDonald, said: “I thought it was fantastic. It has been such a lovely evening weather-wise too and we even had the start of the full moon. I can’t wait until next year.”