Was that the last Blackheath fireworks display?
That was how Saturday’s Blackheath fireworks display ended – good, wasn’t it? It felt a bit more low-key than last year’s display, but that wasn’t entirely a bad thing – no rubbish music, for a start. But it seemed like an almost perfect evening for it – mist and smoke hanging low over the heath, the streams of people walking from miles around, and that strange Close Encounters feeling of tens of thousands of people gathering on the heath. That crowd must have topped 100,000 this year, surely? It certainly seemed that way.
(3.10PM UPDATE – Lewisham Council has confirmed that numbers did indeed beat the 100,000 mark.)
So, was that the last display? After all, Greenwich Council pulled its £37,000 share of the funding, putting Lewisham in a spot – and the public knew it. It ended up as a sorry PR balls-up for Greenwich, pretty remarkable for a council whose actions are barely scrutinised by local press or politicians.
Thankyou @LewishamCouncil for a great fireworks display on Blackheath tonight. Shame on you @greenwichcouncl for not supporting it.—
Miles Rochford (@21five_public) November 06, 2010
The huge crowd showed there’s still a big appetite for an event that’s held in a lot of affection. But there’s certainly no enthusiasm for the display from Greenwich Council’s leadership – before answering questions on it at the last council meeting, deputy leader Peter Brooks grumbled that it was “very difficult to get to Blackheath from my ward” – Thamesmead Moorings (472 to Woolwich, 53 to Blackheath, Peter) – before claiming it would be “inappropriate” to cough up the council’s usual £37,000 contribution.
Of course, nobody in the chamber bothered to ask him why it was appropriate for the council to splash out nearly £30,000 on a private party for the mayor and council leader in May.
Also: @greenwichcouncl how was the Mayor's shindig? Worth taking the money from the firewks? I'm embarrassed to live in the Borough!—
Chris O (@smalltown2k) November 07, 2010
There are those who’ll paint this as a choice between essential services or frivolities – but why is a mayoral booze-up so essential compared with the much-loved fireworks, which bring a huge business boost to pubs and restaurants in both boroughs?
It’ll be Lewisham Council, though, that may have to make tough choices if there’s still a shortfall in funding, after its efforts with local businesses, residents and an eBay action.
Screw you Greenwich Council, Lewisham just put on the best fireworks display I've seen. Well done Blackheath. Good show.—
James Barnard (@sirjogalot) November 06, 2010
Essentially, Lewisham taxpayers will have to cough up because of Greenwich’s decision – and there’s no reason why Lewisham should tolerate that state of affairs. I’ve heard a murmur out of Greenwich that it may try to help raise some cash for the fireworks next year.
Lovely firework display by Lewisham council despite Greenwich council pulling out and not contributing. Shame on you Greenwich!—
Anne Greensmith (@snowleopardess) November 06, 2010
But has Lewisham got the appetite to go through the whole thing again, or will it simply take its box of sparklers and hold a display somewhere more central instead? After all, councillors in Forest Hill or Brockley could complain they find Blackheath hard to get to as well…
Still, to squote an old election slogan, if Greenwich Council has its way, we’ll never see this sort of traffic problem again…
Back from lovely firework display in Blackheath Thanks Lewisham council xXx—
(@lottiegirlx) November 06, 2010
Fireworks fans who still want to donate can visit www.lewisham.gov.uk/fireworks or pay in cash at its town hall in Catford. Or you can read how the full Blackheath Fireworks 2010 story unfolded.
Darryl – thanks for putting this whole story in one place. I thought it was about the best display I can recall and my 5 year old absolutely loved it.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Mets would object to the event taking place anywhere but the Heath. It’s huge, flat, has multiple transport access points and could presumably cope with many more people than were there. So I am not sure another Park would be a goer.
Clearly it is shameful that Greenwich Council didn’t cough up money for and event that is well loved by its residents. However, I think local pubs who presumably rake it in should also take their share of shame. Of the businesses that donated listed here http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/NewsAndEvents/Events/Fireworks/ not one is a pub.
I wonder how much was raised by paypal and buckets?
Will
8 November, 2010 at 9:34 am
That display was “low key”? Some of the fireworks were so big, we ducked!
Well done and a massive thank you to Lewisham Council for putting on a truly great show.
I happily donated and hope the appeal made up for Greenwich Council’s disgrace. When is the next election? Anyone else up for picketing the next taxpayer-funded private Mayoral Banquet?
Steve
8 November, 2010 at 9:48 am
Well done, Lewisham Council, for doing your bit for social cohesion for thousands of people and keeping us all safe. Unlike stupid crass isolationist Greenwich Council, spending nearly £30,000 instead on feeding the faces of Chris Roberts and his sleek pals – obscene waste of money.
Indigo
8 November, 2010 at 10:11 am
> 3.10PM UPDATE – Lewisham Council has confirmed that numbers did indeed beat the 100,000 mark.)
Oh no they didn’t.
Actually what they said was:
“An estimated 100,000 people attended”
Which is a slightly different thing.
But don’t let the facts / estimates spoil a good story / bit of spin.
Steve
10 November, 2010 at 1:50 am
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