Big show coordinator disappointed that free event couldn't go ahead.
The organiser of one of Milton Keynes’ best-loved fireworks displays has told of his sadness at not being able to present the annual show this year.
Keith Emmett, of family run events and leisure business Keith Emmett & Sons, says 2024 marks ‘the end of an era’ for him because he has not been able to raise the funding to put on the traditional City Firework Spectacular.
The event has been going for 43 years, offering Milton Keynes residents free admission to a massive fireworks display alongside his funfair. But this year Keith says he could not raise the cash needed to supplement the huge £100,000 cost of organising the community show.
Posting on social media Keith – known as Keith III – said: ‘Remember, Remember the 5th of November. For the Emmett family, this year truly marks the end of an era. This weekend gone would have been our annual fireworks and funfair, a time to come together in celebration and community spirit.’
The first fireworks event of this kind was staged by Keith’s grandfather, Keith Snr, and the stuntman Tod Cody in 1978 at the old Food Centre in Milton Keynes. Over the years the show has moved around the city but has most recently been held in Campbell Park.
When Keith Snr died 10 years ago, he told his family to keep the fireworks night going for at least 50 years. And now grandson Keith says he is angry and disappointed that he was not able to fulfil his grandfather’s wishes.
“There’s a misconception that this event is council funded,” said Keith. “Over the last 40 years we have funded it ourselves and for the last two years we have sought sponsorship and support.
“The council do not give any support to this community event that has been funded by the Emmetts all these years.”
He says there was a two year period during the Covid time, when the fireworks night could not be put on. And since then he has charged just £1 entry and looked for sponsorship, adding that people wrongly believe the show is funded through council tax.
And he is doubly upset because he says his event brings income into Milton Keynes through visitors to the shopping centre, local hotels and other city attractions, but that’s not recognised.
“It has been wonderful and a privilege to bring the fireworks to local people,” said Keith. “You know, this brings so many memories and nostalgia to generations and we are proud of that legacy.
“But what we have tried to get across is that the funfair alone can not fund the fireworks. There is medical to consider, there is security and so many other additional costs to these things.
“It has become a staple event of Milton Keynes that the community expect to see. We have worked for a whole year to gain sponsorship for this and we were not able to do that. Should this event be the sole responsibility of the Emmett family?"
Keith has said that he and his family hope to bring the Fireworks Spectacular back to its rightful place on the Milton Keynes community calendar one day.
But he can only do that if he secures the right funding. Without it, dreams of his much-loved fireworks spectacular will go up in smoke.
