ABOUT US

Utilita Ampthill fireworks is an annual community fireworks display held in Ampthill Great Park, run on a not-for-profit basis with any remaining funds from the event been distributed to local charities. And in 14 years we have now given back more than £214,000!

The display includes a pre-show of live music acts, fairground & amusements and various food concessions. The event caters for all ages and is family friendly with no alcohol or sparklers allowed in the park. Since 2011 the event has been managed by a core team of dedicated individuals. Last year 5000+ people attended. Tickets sold out online.

The Ampthill and District Lions decided that they were no longer able to organise the yearly fireworks display, so a small committee was formed in July 2011 to ensure the continuity of this popular Event. A few names have come and gone over the years, but the magic group below will be sure to deliver.

We are a non-profit organisation, run entirely by volunteers. However any spare monies raised will be put back into the local community, to continue organising local events.

At our “ Giveaway night” in February 2024, the Committee was proud to receive a High Sheriff of Bedfordshire certificate for their amazing fund-raising efforts and their ceaseless volunteering.

Who are the committee?

Yvonne Young – Chair person

Undertaking the massive task of setting up all aspects of the park so that its all set for our 5000+ guests. With full responsibility of managing the team and the event to ensure a safe and secure night for all those that attend. Yvonne is also responsible for booking our concessions.

Stu Palmer – Sponsorship

Popular architect in and around Ampthill who will always go the extra mile. As well as our fireworks team, he regularly helps out at local sporting clubs as well as community events

Mariella Cook– Community Liaison

Bringing a wealth of experience from her many roles in the community, she helps link our committee with local people, groups and opportunities.

Karen Blomfield –Volunteering lead/ Secretary

Karen is brilliant at sourcing a wonderful team of local volunteers to help make the night run as smooth as possible. She is also responsible for preparing our event scripts.

Nigel Milway, Dominic Blomfield, Simon Lane, Pete Jeffs, Kieran Richardson, Andy Melville, Peter Rose – Site

The unsung heroes of our committee group, Nigel, Dom, Simon, Pete and Kieran are absolutely amazing in ensuring the site is set up for our fireworks. Without their thorough planning and their attention to detail, we wouldn’t be able to put on such a brilliant community display every year.

Lyn Palmer– Finance

Looking after our finances, Lyn is an experienced book keeper, who is involved in various other local charity projects. She is brilliant with numbers!

Harry Mason – Social Media & Publicity

This year our new member Harry has taken on Social Media and the website and is great help to the team.

Pat Sherry/Andrew Fletcher/Andy Melville/ Charlie Anderson – Health & Safety/Security

Part of the Ampthill Festival and Proms Committee and also busy helping at different events in the local community, Pat is amazing in ensuring everyone attending has a safe evening. Safety is also paramount to Andy. F and Charlie. They are thorough planners and organise with acute attention to detail. Meanwhile, Andy M is also amazing when it comes to making sure everything runs smoothly.