The Isle of Wight’s first Fairlee Fireworks event has raised a staggering £35,000 for Mountbatten.
Despite the deluge of rain, more than 2,000 Islanders descended on Newport’s North Fairlee Farm for the debut event, organised by the Isle of Wight Festival, Isle of Wight Radio and Mountbatten.
Live music, children’s rides, a fire show, a fundraising firewalk and a spectacular fireworks display all went ahead despite Saturday’s bad weather.
Isle of Wight Festival organiser John Giddings said:
“We are so grateful to everyone who helped to deliver this event in the face of such adversity, they all deserve a medal.
“It was so good, we will have to do it all over again next year!”
John’s wife, Caroline, walked across red-hot coals for the cause, so far raising an incredible £11,000 in sponsorship.
In total, 66 fundraisers braved the heat to take on the firewalk – sponsored by Wight Fire and Security – including Mountbatten CEO Nigel Hartley.
Nigel said:
“Everyone worked together to pull off what was a fantastic event, the feedback has been brilliant and we cannot wait for it to be repeated again next year.
“We are completely blown away by everyone’s support. At a difficult time for everyone, this will make a real difference to us and the work we do. Thank you from us all.”
Next year’s Fairlee Fireworks will take place on Saturday 4th November 2023.
That’s so fantastic what a great idea something for everyone to enjoy and raising money for a great cause
Why do we only find out about the event afterwards? I knew absolutely nothing about it and would have been interested in going if I had. Just advertised on (anti) social media as usual? Please do some proper notices next year, signs on fences on Fairlee or news article in IE, for example. Look forward to the next one and well done on the charity money raised.