The Tavistock Lions Club has announced that its annual fireworks display will be going ahead on Saturday, November 6 provided that no further covid restrictions are imposed by the Government.

This year sees a change in venue from the Meadows to the Tavistock Community Football Club in Crowndale Road.

The Lions said this will give the Two Tigers fireworks team a much greater space on the junior football pitches from which to set off the display with spectators viewing from the car park alongside the grandstand and also from the cycle path with free parking available at Tavistock College.

Entrance points to the display will be from the main entrance to the Tavistock Football Club and from the Brook Lane and Crowndale road ends of the cycle track.

This year’s fireworks is costing around £4,500.

Press officer for the club Steve Grummitt said: ’The club runs the event as a community service and not as a fundraiser but it does try to at least break even so members are keeping their fingers crossed for some fine dry weather!

’The club is deeply indebted to the directors of Fairway Furniture for once again agreeing to sponsor the event.’

Full details of the display including the time and ticket prices can be found in next week’s Times or on the Lions website at www.tavistocklions.org.uk and also on its Facebook page and as in 2109, tickets can be purchased in advance from Ron’s Pets, Shields DIY, Tavistock Pet Emporium, Tavistock Visitor Information Centre and sponsor Fairway Furniture’s Tavistock store giving a saving on the gate price.

Tickets can still be bought at the event on the night and the club has introduced a family ticket for two adults and two under 16s which will also offer a saving.

The Lions’ club will be running its popular BBQ in the lead up to the display and is pleased to advise that the prices are being maintained at pre covid levels so people are advised to come early to enjoy some well cooked food and hot drinks.

’The health and safety for everybody at the event is of paramount importance so there is always close co-operation with the Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service which plans to be in attendance,’ said Steve.

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 can be extremely dangerous, as in many instances it is impossible to maintain the correct safety distance.

’We would always strongly recommend 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,’ he said.

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.

This year, the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team will be providing the medical emergency cover and as a thank you from the Lions, DSR team members will be doing a bucket collection at the exits to raise funds for new equipment so spectators are asked to please give generously to this worthy and necessary organisation.

The club is extremely grateful to Tavistock Community Football Club for allowing the use of its facilities, John Collacott for providing the PA system and the directors of Fairway Furniture for their continued support.

Club members are confident of a good turn out this year as a celebration of returning to some form of normal fife.