The communities neighbouring the Haven waterway are rising to the challenge of developing a varied programme of events to complement Pembrokeshire's first ever fireworks competition. Since news of the competition was announced, towns and villages have been organising their own events to entertain the thousands of visitors who are expected to watch the competition in September. The contest, expected to be one of the biggest events in the international firework calendar, will boost the off-season local economy in waterside communities, including Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Llanstadwell, says Kate Lindley, festivals and events officer for PLANED, which is helping to organise the event. "The Brunel Association has said it will be putting events on and both Neyland and Pembroke Haven yacht clubs have some exciting ideas too,' said Kate. "We are also hoping to have a lantern procession in conjunction with Pembroke Dock Summer Festival.' Sponsorship will determine how successful the event will be. Although some businesses and organisations have pledged financial support, PLANED says it needs to secure the support of some large donors. "This will be a very high profile event which will attract publicity nationwide. We are hoping that potential sponsors will recognise the benefits of this, not only to themselves, but to the community they are a part of,' said Kate. The event is being organised by a committee formed of representatives of the local communities, chaired by Clr. Sue Perkins, and supported by PLANED through the Experience Pembrokeshire's Waterway project. The project is supported by EU LEADER+ and part- funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
