Forres Rotary and Fireworx Scotland add inclusive display to Grant Park Bonfire Night

The organisers of the renowned Forres bonfire and fireworks display are looking forward to showcasing an extra inclusive event on Saturday.

This year, Forres Rotary volunteers and Inverurie-based Fireworx Scotland will introduce a 10 minute, low noise and impact display ahead of the main shows at Grant Park - the bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm followed by the fireworks at 7pm.

Lead organiser, Carlo Miele, confirmed a new quieter display will begin at 6.15pm.

“It will appeal to anyone who doesn’t enjoy noisy displays,” he said. “The fireworks only reach 20 feet in the air so are visible to everyone. If it’s well received, it may become an annual event.

“Folk who come to see them can opt to leave earlier to get their kids to bed etc.”

Fireworx owner, Mark Copland, added that the inclusive display will not feature music, unlike the main event. The company is putting on 42 events throughout Scotland over the next nine days.

He added: “Every year, we aim to put on a unique show with new effects and fireworks. We can’t wait for Saturday - Forres is always well attended and appreciated.”

Four food units and two offering drinks will be open alongside funfair attractions from 4pm.

Carlo added: “We hope the earlier start will encourage more residents and visitors to spend time in local businesses in the afternoon.

“Folk attend from as far off as Dingwall, Conon Bridge and Aviemore so hopefully shops will stay open later too.”

Local businesses have donated 250 dry pallets for a spectacular bonfire, collected by Rotarians Andy Wardley and Don Mackenzie over the last year.

Younger members of the community are being encouraged to submit homemade Guys for the pyre, to be judged at the park pavilion at 11am on Saturday.

Carlo said: “Organiser Sandra Maclennan of Forres In Bloom has contacted schools and children’s groups to ask for entries - last year, we got more than 12 submissions.

“All Guys get a place on the fire but the winner will have the most prominent position. There are also cash prizes for entries.”

Bonfire night attendees are being advised not to take sparklers to the park.

“Their temperature can rise to 300 degrees so they can cause burns,” explained Carlo. “Rotary is responsible for helping any victims of accidents at the event … The firework displays are a good enough spectacle in any case.

“We always find loads of used sparklers on the playing field which our volunteers clear on Sunday. They’re a hazard for them, as well as children and dogs on walks.”

Volunteers will make bucket collections on the night to fund next year’s event. QR code and contactless donations will also be available.

Carlo said: “Our volunteers run the event for free but we need donations to keep it going, particularly while everyone battles rising costs.

“We no longer receive common good funding to pay for the hire of the bonfire site and the disabled area where we have invested in new lights to increase safety.”

Last year’s display was attended by 4000 people but had to be cut short due to software issues causing extended delays between fireworks.

“I called a halt to the display two minutes before the planned end for safety reasons,” said Carlo. “However, Fireworx Scotland say this year’s event will not disappoint and they will go the extra distance in the natural amphitheatre of Grant Park so we anticipate an exemplary finale!”

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/forresrotary