MKFM can exclusively reveal that Milton Keynes' annual Fireworks Spectacular is returning this November.
The much-anticipated event has been an annual favourite for families across Milton Keynes for decades and draws crowds of over 100,000 people from across the city each year.
As a result of the pandemic, the event hasn’t taken place since 2019. This year, the event was at risk again due to increased costs and added complexity to put the fireworks on. A Facebook post from Emmett and Sons explained that support was needed for third parties to ensure the future of the event.
Last year, several smaller events reported that they were overwhelmed due to the event in Campbell Park not going ahead. There has also been concern from Bucks Fire that more people may take to hosting their own back garden events leading to the risk of more household fires and personal injury.
This morning on the MK Breakfast Show, Darren and Lia announced that with the support from MKFM and headline sponsor Brioche Pasquier, the popular Fireworks and Funfair event is back, returning to Campbell Park on Saturday 5th November 2022 from 8pm.
"Keith Emmett and Sons are very excited to be bringing back the Fireworks Spectacular for its 42nd year. We are so overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the Milton Keynes community for the event,” a spokesperson for Keith Emmett and Sons said.
“We are so proud to be partnering with MKFM and Brioche Pasquier to offer the Fireworks Spectacular to the Milton Keynes community for free. We’d like to thank them for their support, without it the event would not be possible.”
Keith Emmett JNR is honoured to carry forward his father's legacy with keeping the event running, "My father was so dedicated to providing the Milton Keynes community with the free fireworks display and asked me to make sure I kept it going."
Darren Dorrington, MKFM CEO, said “With Milton Keynes receiving city status this year it would be ridiculous that after 41 years we didn’t have an annual firework display. MKFM is delighted to be working with the Emmett family who have run the event at a massive cost to them over the last 40 years.
“Through our partnership we are able to bring the business community together to support the event not just this year but hopefully for many years to come.”
Brioche Pasquier UK, the new headline sponsors of the Fireworks Spectacular say they are ‘very excited’ to support the popular event.
“We are very excited to support the 2022 Milton Keynes fireworks display,” David Bell, Marketing Executive at Brioche Pasquier UK told MKFM.
“As a company founded over 40 years ago in France and established in Milton Keynes in 2014, the local community has always been at the heart of everything we do and is key to our brand along with our core family values.
“Brioche Pasquier understands that everyone has been through difficult times during and since the pandemic. We feel this makes the first Milton Keynes firework display since COVID that little bit more of a reason to celebrate and to enjoy with friends, family and those that make us happy!
“To support and play our part in this is a huge honour and we look forward to bringing the community together, proudly in our recently appointed city. Brioche Pasquier is about ‘Baking Life’s Special Moments’ and we hope everyone has a wonderful time.”
A spokesperson for The Parks Trust added: “The Parks Trust are very proud to be hosting the Emmett's city fireworks display once again in Campbell Park.”
With the event now secure for 2022, work is under way to find additional corporate sponsors for this year to help meet the increased costs of putting on the event.
If you own a business in Milton Keynes and would like to find out about how you can get involved, please call 01908 230 149 or email sales@mkfm.com.
As well as the fireworks display, Keith Emmett & Sons have confirmed that the popular fair at Campbell Park will be returning this November, alongside Milton Keynes' annual Fireworks Spectacular from Wednesday 2nd November until Sunday 6th November.
The fair supports the cost of the fireworks and a £1 entry charge is set to be in place to help fund increased security for this year's event, with searches taking place on the gate.
Residents will be able to enjoy the fair between 6pm and 10pm on weekdays and 2pm until 10pm on weekends. Fair-goers will also be able to enjoy the attractions at a reduced rate on Sunday 6th November, the day after the Fireworks Spectacular event.
Listen back to our interview with Keith Emmett III from Keith Emmett & Sons about the return of Milton Keynes' annual Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday 5th November in Campbell Park below.
