Ashbrooke Sports Club Revives Fireworks Display After Eight Years

A fireworks spectacle in Sunderland, previously drawing as many as 4,000 attendees, is being staged once more, marking its return after an eight-year absence. Ashbrooke Sports Club has revived this occasion through a collaboration with the Red Sky Foundation, a charity dedicated to assisting infants, children, and adults affected by intricate cardiac conditions. The venue, having faced financial challenges in recent times, expressed its intention to adopt a new strategy, aiming to host more charitable and community organizations. Ben Robinson, a spokesperson, stated: “Bringing back our fireworks display but using it to raise money for a worthwhile charity is very much part of that new vision.” The yearly fireworks event at Ashbrooke Sports Club, an autonomous entity boasting 500 members, was formerly Sunderland’s largest of its type. However, increased competition from other gatherings led to its cessation in 2016. “We are such a proud part of Sunderland’s heritage,” Mr Robinson commented. He added, “But we have struggled financially after Covid and people have got out of the habit of using the club.” Consequently, he noted, “So we were delighted when the charity approached us [about] bringing the event back to the site again.” Proceeds from ticket sales will enable the Red Sky Foundation to acquire defibrillators for local communities, invest in heart transplant equipment, and provide counseling and financial assistance to families. The event has already sold out, which Mr Robinson described as “wonderful news”. “The charity has committed to holding it for 5 years and it just shows there is an appetite for it even when a lot of people are struggling financially,” he further remarked. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.