Lewisham Council is aiming to boost its public appeal for donations towards this year’s Blackheath fireworks on 6 November by offering the chance to bid on eBay (from 7pm Thursday) for a VIP night out at South London’s largest firework display. The VIP package includes the privilege of starting the firework display itself.

Blackheath fireworks has established itself as one of the biggest, best, and most popular free fireworks displays in the capital. Last year some 80,000 people flocked to the historic heath to see a stunning display. However, this year’s £36,000 shortfall in funding saw Lewisham Council launch a public appeal for donations on 14 September. So far, almost £11,500 has been raised through public donation and through local Blackheath businesses such as Glendale and The Clarendon Hotel, as well as restaurants Chapters, Bella Vista and Everest Inn. Once again this year the event will also be generously backed by independent fund management company GLC Ltd, who have been involved with the Blackheath Fireworks display since 1994.

Council funding for events like this has come under intense pressure as Government cuts begin to bite. But Lewisham Council is keen to give those who value the event the chance to play their part in keeping it going. As a result, in addition to the public appeal for donations, Lewisham Council has put together a VIP package that will go to the highest bidder.

The successful bidder will not only win the chance to launch the firework display but a VIP package that includes:

* access for up to 10 people to an exclusive VIP viewing area for the duration of the display
* a private tour of the firing zone by experts from Pains Fireworks where all the fireworks will be laid out ready to fire (the tour will take place at 6pm, 2 hours before the display itself)
* VIP parking for 3 cars in the very heart of the event
* 10 meal vouchers from the Fine Food Company
* 10 drink vouchers to be used at any of the mobile bar units supplied by Creative Bars
* 10 hot chocolate vouchers supplied by Jaz and Jules
* Glo sticks for the whole party provided by Limelight Entertainment Ltd


The eBay auction will start at 7pm on Thursday 21 October with a starting price of just 99p. Bidding will continue until 7pm on Sunday 31 October.

To bid go to http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/fireworks and follow the link (the link will only be live during the auction period).

This year’s Blackheath firework display will take place at 8pm on Saturday 6 November.

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For more information contact:
Gavin Jones, Media Office, Lewisham Council
020 8314 6082
gavin.jones@lewisham.gov.uk