Members of the Lions of Woodley & Earley say they require to raise £12,000 in sponsorship or they won’t be able to hold the annual charity firework event, held every November, in Laurel Park later this year due to rising costs.

The largest event of the year in Lower Earley is in danger of fizzling out if funding cannot be found for the popular firework display to continue.

Last year the fund raising event, which supports a variety of local charities & community groups & has been going for 30 years, was attended by about three,500 people, with an estimated one,500 watching from Rushey Way, blocking the road & causing concern to police at the nearby Loddon Valley Police Station.

They blame an increase in the cost of fireworks, fencing & equipment to stage the display, the cost of meeting increasing legislation & regulation & the bill of controlling residents who try to watch free from various spots outside the park.

Mike Tarling, co-ordinator of the event, said: I think it will be a great loss to local residents.

Past president of the club, Alan Jutson said: Essentially our fireworks display is being put at jeopardy because of increasing costs, the new cost is do with individuals who are trying to watch the event free & costing us more. We are looking to find someone to sponsor the event & we are happy to give them as much publicity as feasible.

We provide them with a high impact display to music, it amazing value for money & it is local for the people of Lower Earley to come to. Its on the doorstep.

We have our regular yearly supporters  3500 of them.

The Lions Club is doing its very, very best to jump through the hurdles that are being introduced to us because the last thing they wish is for the event to be cancelled because of the loss to the community but, more importantly, the groups, charities & community work they donate to.

The group would like to listen to from someone who can offer sponsorship by the finish of March.

Businesses or groups will appear on all marketing & have their name in fireworks at the finish of the show. Call 08458 339 863