Students from the University of Bath are joining forces with the Rotary Club of Bath to raise money for charity at this year’s community firework display at the Rec on Saturday 5th November.
Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Bath
The Fireworks on the Rec event has been run by the Rotary Club with the support of the University Students’ Union for several years.
However, the last two years have seen the fundraiser being cancelled due to the pandemic.
This year extra effort is being made to ensure the event goes off without a hitch.
With just days to go, thousands of tickets have already been bought by residents and students, making the event one of the rare occasions where ‘town and gown’ come together.
Rotary Club Fireworks organiser, Chris Davies, said the involvement of the students is vital in the event going ahead: “The Fireworks Display is an exciting and fun family event and draws thousands to the Rec, so stewarding is important.
“Alongside the professional security staff, more than 70 Rotarians and students help direct the crowds and collect money from the hundreds who watch the display from outside.
“We couldn’t put the event on and raise so much for charity without the students’ involvement.”
Chair of the University RAG ‘Raise and Give’ committee, Beth Burnett, said the fireworks event is always popular with students.
She said: “The event comes early in term so it’s a great event for bonding new sports teams, clubs and housemates.
“And through our support for the Rotary Club, we are able to raise a lot of money for the charities we support locally too.”
The event is being sponsored for the first time this year by Bath Recreation Ltd, and is receiving support from Bath Rugby, Powerline and Volker Highways, who will be managing the limited road closures required around Grand Parade from 4.30pm until 8pm on the day.
Student tickets are still available via the Students Union, while the public can buy tickets online right up until the event via the Rotary Club’s website at www.rotary-bath.co.uk.
Gates open at 4.30pm and the display itself is scheduled to start at 6pm.
Organisers hope to raise thousands of pounds for local young people’s charities Youth Connect SouthWest and The Glasshouse Academy.
