BLACKBURN'S biggest bonfire night extravaganza has been saved thanks to backing from local business the Karl Vella Group.
The autobody repair specialists, which has premises on Ordnance Street, stepped in after cuts threatened the annual event, held at Witton Park by Blackburn Lions, Rotary and Round Table.
The Karl Vella Group has injected £3,000 into the November 5 event to bridge a shortfall in funding which had previously come from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. The Karl Vella Group are now the main sponsors of the event.
David Vella, Group Operations Director, said: "We are delighted to be supporting this important community event. It is also fitting that, as we are celebrating 25 years in business this year, the Lions are celebrating 50 years so it's nice for us to be able to join forces in this important year for both of us.
"The Lions, Rotary Club and Round Table do fantastic work and last year's bonfire saw £12,000 raised for local good causes. This year, it is hoped the event will be bigger and better than ever and the Lions are aiming to raise £15,000, which will be split between Rossendale Mountain Rescue Team, East Lancs Hospice and Blackburn Carers.
"As a local employer, we are pleased to be associated with such a worthwhile event."
Norman Walker, Chairman of the Lions' Bonfire Committee, said: "We are immensely grateful for the support from the Karl Vella Group. Without them, it is highly likely that this year's event would have to have been cancelled. That would have been a great shame for the 15,000 people who are expected to attend.
"It is a large event involving 60 volunteers and takes a lot of planning in the months leading up to the event. It has now firmly established itself as a real community event and we are over the moon that, thanks to the generosity of the Karl Vella Group, we are able to once again stage it this year."
The bonfire takes place on November 5 in Witton Park, Preston Old Road, Blackburn. The entertainment, which includes fairground rides and music from The Bee radio station, starts at 6.30pm. Entry is £1 for adults and 50p for children.