THIS year?s annual fireworks extravaganza in Tavistock, staged by the town?s lions club, is to be moved to a new venue, it was this week announced. Following this year?s very successful return to Tavistock College of the Westcountry Balloon Fiesta and Day at the Races, the club, with the agreement of college principal Colin Eves, have decided to move their spectacular firework display to the same venue, as opposed to the Meadows which has been used for the last few years. Lions spokesman Steve Grummitt said: ?The firing team are delighted with the move as it will give them a much greater area in which to work and it will also make the control of the spectators much easier to manage.? Mr Grummitt said the club was spending around £2,000 on this year?s display, which promised to be better than ever. ?I think it?s going to be a good venue ? the problem with the Meadows was there are so many trees ? there is much more space at the college.? Mr Grummitt said: The health and safety of everybody at the event is of paramount importance so there is always close co-operation with the Devon & Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service which will be in attendance at the event and the Red Cross will also be in attendance.? Tim Smith, Tavistock station officer, 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. Mr Smith said: ?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 is done to ensure everybody?s safety.? The display will take place on Saturday November 4 with the gates opening at 6.15pm and the display starting at 7pm prompt. Admission, by recommended donation, will be £3 for adults and £1 for children and free parking at the college will be available and the Lions will also be running a barbecue during the evening.
