News - 2014

09:00 Friday 25 Jul 2014 CWLTwo Week Countdown to Fireworks Friday

In two weeks time it will be Fireworks Friday at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and Cowes Fireworks Committee - formed of regatta organisers, Cowes Week Limited, Cowes Town Waterfront Trust, and the Isle of Wight Council – wish to extend their thanks to all those that have given generously to the fundraising effort and played their part in ensuring this year’s display can go ahead. The Committee is also urging anyone who is looking forward to this year’s display and hasn’t yet made a contribution to do so via the event website at http://aamcw.co/fireworks.

The popular Cowes fireworks display has taken place on the final Friday of Cowes Week since the very earliest days of the regatta and is viewed by many as an intrinsic part of the onshore festivities. It is an event for the community and the funding model has evolved in recent years to better reflect this.

Cowes Fireworks Committee was formed two years ago to ensure the future success of the display and to secure funding for the fireworks by working with all those who enjoy or benefit from the display. Many have already given generously to this year’s fireworks fundraising campaign, with thanks in particular to platinum level fireworks supporters Aberdeen Asset Management,  Artemis Investment Management, Cowes Week Limited, Cowes Town Waterfront Trust, and Red Funnel; gold level fireworks supporters Blue Funnel Ferries, Cowes Business Association, Cowes Town Council, the Island Sailing Club, the Isle of Wight County Press, the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Royal Yacht Squadron, Solent & Wightline Cruises, and Taylor Events; silver level fireworks supporters Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, the sailing yacht Leopard, Next Generation Results, the Royal London Yacht Club, the Royal Thames Yacht Club, Spinlock and the Anchor; as well as bronze level support from Co-op, Corrie’s Cabin, Cowes Town Regatta, Mumby’s Homecare Support and Plaza Ice-Cream Parlour. In addition, the Isle of Wight Council provide a huge amount of support for the fireworks, without which the display could not take place.

This year’s display takes place in two weeks time on Friday 8 August at 9.30pm and the best places to view the display ashore are Cowes Parade, Castle Hill, Princes Green (as far as Egypt Point), and East Cowes Promenade. There is also the chance to watch the display from the water, courtesy of Red Funnel and their Fireworks Cruises. The Southampton sailing is being held in conjunction with Jack FM and includes a guest appearance from Pat Sharp. Due to popular demand, an additional sailing will also take place from East Cowes this year. For more details and to book, visit: www.redfunnel.co.uk/fireworks.

Commenting on what to expect of this year’s fireworks display, David Alvis of pyrotechnics specialist and contracted supplier, Pains Fireworks, said: “We’ll start proceedings with a single cannon fire from the Royal Yacht Squadron which will signal the start of the ‘Big Blast Off’, encouraging the boats arriving in Cowes Harbour for the fireworks to sound their horns just before the display gets underway. The fireworks barge will end the Big Blast Off with a single huge canopy of gold which will indicate the start of the count-up to this year’s spectacular display. We want everyone throughout the town and across the Solent to get involved!”

Visitors to the event on Friday 8 August will also enjoy the additional entertainment provided by a display from the RAF Typhoon Display Team at 7.10pm and a display from the iconic Red Arrows at 7.30pm. Both these displays are brought to the regatta courtesy of support from event sponsor, local letterbox.

Donations to the fireworks display can be made safely and securely via Paypal.