Comedy night good start to fundraising for Thatcham fireworks display

A comedy night – featuring Perrier Award winner Christian Reilly, Irish comic Mary Bourke, Simon Clayton and local comic Eve Slatcher – was recently held at the Corn Exchange, Newbury.
Organiser Richard Garvie said that he hoped a second stand-up night in June would bring in a similar amount.
Last year, more than 10,000 people attended the free firework display, which raised money for local good causes through a bucket collection.
Mr Garvie said: “I think many people were surprised at just how many people turned out last year, but that in itself presents additional challenges.
“The organisers of this event will now have to provide some public toilets and have also committed to put in some additional lighting at the venue.
“After four days of torrential rain in the lead-up to the event, extra infrastructure was sourced and the event ended up making a small loss. In order to avoid similar losses this year, additional sponsorship and fundraising will ensure that there is a contingency fund. Hopefully it won’t be needed and that money will also go to the organisations supported by the event.”
Tickets for the comedy night at the Corn Exchange on Sunday, June 22, are now on sale at www.cornexchangenew.com or by calling 0845 521 8218.
Any business interested in sponsoring the display should call Mr Garvie on 07414 778732.