2011 Fireworks

The Olney Town Fireworks are organised by The Olney Group (TOG). We asked the Chairman in 2010, Mark Luckin when they begin planning the event:

"We book the fireworks pretty much a year in advance. Planning for the event in earnest starts around late July, though it's earlier if changes are involved. For example, when we moved the firing area one field North, we talked with the fireworks company, the Council and the Sports Clubs very much in advance. TOG is a group of 6 or so people and we organise the events. We also have a group of volunteers we call on for help on the days. It's bit of work but when you see people enjoying themselves at an event you've had a part in organising, it's worth it."

Mark also told OlneyOnline about funding for the fireworks:

"Generally speaking, TOG makes enough money from Fireworks Night to run Raft Race and provide Santa's Grotto (for Santa and the Brownies to run) on the Market Square at Christmas. TOG is basically self funding and non profit making. Significant excess profit is donated to charities - e.g. Air Ambulance. The 'generally' hides significant variation, usually dependent on the weather on event days. Finally, we could not take on the financial risk of running Fireworks Night without a portion of it being underwritten by Olney Town Council. We've had to call on this just once in many years (when it rained and rained and rained), and are very grateful."

The event was sponsored again this year by Stephen Oakley Estate Agents.