We know that fireworks can be a difficult time of year for some people and, particularly, for pets and other animals. We don't pretend otherwise.
In fact, we understand it personally.
Our dog, Chief, is a 55kg Bernese Mountain Dog and he is absolutely petrified of fireworks. When he shakes with fear, you can actually feel it through the floorboards. So, for any pet owners who dread fireworks season and spend the evening trying to comfort a frightened animal, we genuinely understand how difficult it can be. We're pet owners ourselves, not pet experts, but we know what it is like to see your dog frightened by fireworks.
Why do we run an organised display?
It's something we've thought about carefully.
During COVID, when organised displays couldn't take place, we saw how many fireworks were being set off in gardens and across the community, at different times and often with little warning.
We believe one large, professionally organised display, on one clearly advertised night, at a specific time and location, is a better way of managing fireworks than having them set off unpredictably across many gardens over several nights.
We know this doesn't eliminate the problem — Chief certainly isn't going to suddenly enjoy fireworks because we organise a display!
But it does mean people know when the main event is happening and can prepare accordingly, whether that's staying elsewhere, taking pets somewhere quieter, or closing windows and curtains.
For us, it's about reducing the constant uncertainty of fireworks and concentrating them into one known event.
We also have a responsibility to the charities we support
Downend Round Table Fireworks isn't run by a large commercial organisation. We're 18 ordinary guys, volunteering our own time to put the event together.
We do it because it raises significant money for local good causes. In recent years, we've been able to contribute more than £60,000 to local charities and community organisations — funding that would disappear if the event stopped.
The event itself now costs almost £100,000 to deliver safely and professionally. The money raised doesn't simply become profit; it covers the substantial costs of running the event, with the surplus going back into our community.
We've also looked at alternatives such as silent fireworks and drone shows. Unfortunately, silent fireworks could significantly reduce ticket demand and potentially make the event unviable — putting both the display and the £60,000+ of charitable fundraising at risk.
Drone shows are considerably more expensive and could mean ticket prices around three times higher than today.
We don't believe that's a realistic or accessible solution for our community.
We don't think there is a perfect solution
We want to be clear: we don't think our fireworks display solves all the problems fireworks can cause.
We know some people dislike fireworks, that pets can be frightened by them, and that the noise can genuinely distress some people.
But we believe one organised, predictable display on one known date, at one location and time, is the most responsible balance we can currently find.
It allows the community to come together, enjoy a professional display and raise tens of thousands of pounds for local good causes, while giving those who want to avoid the noise the opportunity to plan ahead.