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. In 2022 we were able to return almost £33,500 back to the community. And in 11 years we have now given back more than £165,000!

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 6000 people attended.

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 17 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.

Who are the committee?

Richard Benson – Chair person

Undertaking the massive task of setting up all aspects of the park so that its all set for our 6000+ guests.  With full responsibility of managing the team and the event to ensure a safe and secure night for all those that attend. Rich is a popular figure within Ampthill, who is always helping out at local sporting clubs and events.

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

Yvonne Young – Admin & Concessions

Bringing a wealth of experience from her leading role of the very successful Ampthill Proms Committee and  involvement with Ampthill Literary Festival. We couldn’t do it without her!

Chris Hayes, Nigel Davies – Pre-Show Coordinators

You will know him from the Ampthill Festival, Ampthill Proms and also the Zonita Cinema. Chris is very experienced in putting on a good show and plays such an amazing role every year organising the fireworks. Nigel has also worked on AmpRocks for many years and is a huge help in making sure the pre-show entertainment runs very smoothly.

Nigel Milway, Dominic Blomfield, Simon Lane, Pete Jeffs, Kieran Richardson – 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, we wouldn’t be able to put on such a brilliant community display every year.

Jenny Allen – Finance

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

Daniel Young – eTicketing

Our digital guru, Dan advises and implements all things technical and digital. He plays a huge part in our team making sure everyone can buy tickets easily for our wonderful event

Pat Sherry/Andrew Fletcher/Andy Melville – Healthy & 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 He is a thorough planner and organiser with acute attention to detail. Meanwhile, Andy M is also amazing when it comes to making sure everything runs smoothly.

Karen Blomfield/Mariella Cook – Volunteering/back stage

Ampthill Guides leader and volunteer at many community events, Karen is brilliant at sourcing a wonderful team of local volunteers to help make the night run as smooth as possible. Mariella also helps back stage making sure the event runs incredibly smoothly and is a total star when it comes to helping share our messages online and across the area’s schools.

AMPTHILL FIREWORKS IS SPONSORED BY UTILITA ENERGY AND MANY AMAZING LOCAL BUSINESSES