Annual Shugborough Estate fireworks called off

The display at Shugborough Hall was first held 30 years ago.

However, due to the pressures on a small group of volunteers, members of the Stafford branch of the Round Table have decided to keep working with the National Trust to focus their efforts on creating events all year round – instead of one big one.

The display included a family fun day, with activities such as a children’s themed show and fairground rides. All proceeds from the event have traditionally gone towards local charities and good causes.

Jon Gerrard, chairman of Stafford Round Table, said the cost of holding the popular event had increased.

He said the decision to axe it had not been an easy one to make. He added: “An event as large as this takes many hours of planning and costs a lot of money to stage. Over the last few years, the costs of putting on the event have continued to increase. We’re a small group of volunteers and all of our fundraising events take place because our members give up many hours of their time for free.

“We don’t believe that the money we now raise from the event is commensurate with the time that we spend in organising it.

“As a result, we’re going to focus our resources on creating a more sustainable calendar of fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has played their part in organising and attending the event over the years.

“It’s been an incredibly big part of Stafford Round Table’s history and those people who have supported the event have helped to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities since it was first held some 30 years ago.”

Hayley Mival, project manager at Shugborough, added: “As a charitable organisation ourselves, we fully understand this decision as we can appreciate how much time and effort goes into organising such a large event.

“We are very keen to continue to support the group and plan to meet to discuss ideas.”