Bathurst Regional Council agrees to show fireworks sponsorship

Council has agreed to the one-off sponsorship of the fireworks along with a new four-year commitment to the show.

The four-year deal will see council provide two cash prizes of $500 each year for the show’s supreme exhibit awards; community stage sponsorship to the value of $5000; the use of Bathurst Sportsground for parking and camping; the use of Morse Park for public car parking; allocation of a duty councillor; a banner across William Street for two weeks each year to promote the show; and use of the riverbank area for competitor parking and camping.

The deal will also see the mayor accepted as one of two Show Society patrons each year.

But it was the fireworks sponsorship that had most people talking on Wednesday night.

Bathurst Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Association’s Sam Farraway told councillors that the Saturday fireworks display was a highlight of every show.

“This is a one-off request for sponsorship to promote Bathurst’s bicentenary and the events in our great city,” Mr Farraway said.

“Council can create a strong and tangible link with our event which is the longest running community event in Bathurst.”

Mr Farraway said 2BS had confirmed it would broadcast the musical accompaniment to the fireworks, meaning Bathurst locals did not have to be at the showground to get the full effect of the show.

“They will be able to enjoy the full fireworks show whether they’re sitting on their balcony or at the showground.”

Mr Farraway said the timing of this year’s show just two weeks before Bathurst’s bicentenary offered a unique opportunity to push for greater media coverage than usual and that the Saturday night fireworks always drew a big crowd from across the Bathurst region and Central West.

Councillors agreed to the one-off fireworks sponsorship and also the four-year deal with the Bathurst AH&P that will cover the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 shows.