A FIREWORK display organiser who has brought joy and crowds into Abergele for more than 20 years has stepped down from his role.
Councillor Andrew Wood, who is part of Abergele Round Table, has helped organised the annual firework display in the town for 23 years.
The reins have now been handed over to Abergele Town Council.
The town council, with assistance from Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC), arranged the latest display on November 4 on Pensarn Beach.
A low level noise display was held at 6.15pm and the main display followed at 7.30pm. There was a funfair and donations were collected for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) [mayor Charlie McCoubrey's chosen charity for 2023].
Speaking on behalf of Abergele Round Table, cllr Wood said: "After 23 years of planning and facilitating Abergele Round Table firework display, and raising thousands of pound for local charities, it was time to hand it over to Abergele Town Council to continue the event. We would like to thank our past members, all the volunteers and Abergele Rotary who have been involved and helped over the last 23 years, without whom this event could not of continued, and for their hard work and commitment. They have put up and removed barriers, and signs, marshalled for the crowds and kept everyone safe, and cleaned the site afterwards.
"The event has grown to be one of the biggest displays on the North Wales coast, with a unique two stage display for the youngest of our community at just after 6pm and the main event at 7.30pm.
"The event will continue under the guidance of CCBC events and Abergele Town Council, along with their health and safety officer.
"Abergele Round Table have no involvement in any of the organisation."
Commenting on the smooth transition, cllr Wood added: "I would like to say thank you to all those that turned out for the fireworks and Knightly's funfair on a very wet night on Saturday.
"Thank you to the volunteers and CCBC council staff and Abergele Town Council staff for a smooth transition of adopting the fireworks displays for the future enjoyment of the residents."
Last years fireworks was a 'free to enter' event. Abergele Round Table reserve funds [previously donated pre 2021] paid for the event.
Members and helpers from the town council took a voluntary collection for St Kentigern Hospice and collected more than £4,000 for cllr Alan Hunter's chosen charity for 2022. Cllr Hunter was mayor at the time.
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Cllr Hunter said: "Over the years Andrew has organised and booked the pyrotechnic team, sorted out the necessary road closures, booked and put up signage and barriers, put up the notice boards, made sure the necessary health and safety standards are met etc.
"I've had the privilege of being part of the small team of volunteers who were inspired to turn up and help put the firework display on. The work that Andrew has put in for the last 23 years should not be underestimated or forgotten. Through his efforts thousands of pounds were raised to cover the costs of the following year's display, with all money over going to local good causes.
"Thank you from me and everyone who has enjoyed the firework display over the last 23 years. It been a blast being part of your team."
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