Ally Pally fireworks funding efforts fail

THE popular Alexandra Palace fireworks display will definitely not go ahead this year after a last-ditich attempt to gain independent funding failed. Trustees decided at a board meeting in June that because of the rising costs involved in staging the even

THE popular Alexandra Palace fireworks display will definitely not go ahead this year after a last-ditich attempt to gain independent funding failed.

Trustees decided at a board meeting in June that because of the rising costs involved in staging the event, the display - which draws up to 70,000 people to the park each year - would reluctantly be cancelled unless alternative funding could be secured by the end of July.

Chair of the Alexandra Palace Park & Palace Board of Trustees Cllr Pat Egan said: "This is a much loved community event and a prestigious showcase for the palace which attracts massive audiences from across the capital each year, so we wanted to try our level best to find alternative funding.

"Sadly our efforts have failed - with public sector cuts being faced across the board, the funding just isn't out there.

"We realise we will be disappointing many thousands of people, but without external funding, we simply cannot justify the expenditure.

"The money saved will instead be spent on urgent repairs to the palace building.

"We will be seeking funding partnerships or sponsorship for 2011 in the hope that the event can be resumed next year.