Popular Stockheath Common fireworks display in Leigh Park will not go ahead this year

A spectacular show was planned for the 25th annual Stockheath Common fireworks display in Leigh Park, which is funded by the public who turn out in force for the popular event each November 5.

The tough decision to cancel this year’s fireworks has been made by Friends of Stockheath Common Fireworks, the community committee which has organised the gathering for the past two years after funding was withdrawn by Havant Borough Council.

Restrictions due to Covid-19 are the reason for cancellation of the free event, because track and trace information would be impossible to collect and social distancing would be hard to enforce.

Also, the committee has decided to protect the money which has been raised towards this year’s show to make sure it can go ahead next year, because if a local lockdown meant the 2020 display was cancelled then they would lose the £10,500 needed to put on the performance.

Craig Cockram, committee chairman, said: ‘We would have lost all the money and would have had no way to replace this money as over half is collected on the night though collection buckets. This would then have been the end of the fireworks shows in Leigh Park.

‘We are really disappointed that we have had to cancel this as we know people look forward to this event in the Leigh Park calendar and more than ever would have been needed this year.

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‘I know that we have parents bringing their kids after they have grown up watching them from when they were a kid. There will be a big hole this year on November 5 without this show. We are really sad to have to cancel but hope people realise why we have done it and look forward to seeing everyone next year with a bigger and better show.’

With hopes to put on the 25th year celebration in 2021, the group is still collecting money towards the display. To donate, find Friends of Havant Stockheath Fireworks Display on Facebook for details.

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