THE annual fireworks spectacular in Tavistock Meadows is set to take place this Saturday (November 2).

Organised by the Lions’ Club of Tavistock, with kind permission from Tavistock Town Council, the fireworks have been put on in the Meadows for several years, using the locally-based company Two Tigers Fireworks to stage the display due to restrictions involved with the types of fireworks that the club could purchase.

The cost of this year’s display will be in excess of £4,000 and while the club runs the event as a community service and not as a fundraiser, it does try to cover costs and break even.

Unfortunately, the club has reluctantly had to raise the entry cost this year to cover increased costs but has been able to keep the rise to a minimum thanks to generous sponsorship by Fairway Furniture.

This year, tickets can be bought in advance for a reduced price than on the gate, from Ron’s Pets, Shields DIY, Tavistock Pet Emporium and Fairway Furniture. Tickets can still be bought on the night.

The health and safety of everybody at the event is of paramount importance so there is always close co-operation with the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service which will be in attendance. Glenn Arundel, the station commander for Tavistock, said the letting off of fireworks by inexperienced people in their own back garden with young children about could be extremely dangerous, as in many instances it was impossible to maintain the correct safety distance.

The fire service strongly recommended that people go to official displays such as the one organised by the Lions where you can see a spectacular display and where everything possible is done to ensure everybody’s safety.

The organisers ask that pet owners ensure that their animals are well looked after and in a safe place and that people coming to the display leave their own fireworks, including sparklers, at home so as to avoid any unfortunate accidents.

For safety reasons, entrance to the event will be from the college end of the Meadows only and everybody is advised to arrive early and enjoy the lions’ barbecue and hot drinks whilst waiting for the spectacular display to start.

For full details on entry prices and timings, see the advert on this page or visit the club’s website at www.tavistocklions.org.uk and Facebook page.

Any further information can be obtained by calling 0345 8334807.