Friends of South Park Gardens is a registered charity which works to restore, protect and improve South Park Gardens (a beautiful Victorian Gardens in the heart of Wimbledon).
Every year they organise a very popular Fireworks and Bonfire Party on the Saturday closest to the 5th of November. The display is unique in that they use low noise fireworks, making it suitable for young children. The event is run by volunteers who work tirelessly in the weeks running up to the event to make it safe and enjoyable for everyone.
This popular event sells out quickly every year, as so many local people appreciate the small-scale nature of the event and the reasonable prices charged for food, drink and glowsticks. This year it was made members only (previously members had priority for buying tickets) and this didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for obtaining tickets. They sold out within a day.
The Friends sold local Signal beer and mulled wine at the bar; hotdogs and burgers and home-made cakes, hot chocolate and a wide range of glowsticks (batons, windmills and swords). The DJ played music and gave information to the attendees, as well as leading the countdowns for lighting the bonfire and starting the display (by Brilliant Fireworks of Gunnersbury).
The Gardens looked magical, with paths lit by hanging lanterns and St Johns Ambulance had nothing to do – (not even a cut finger.) The stewards did a great job, staffing the gates and ensuring that everyone knew where the toilets were and directing people out at the end of a very successful evening. The Friends are grateful to Ellisons Estate Agents for sponsoring the event.
Written by Friends of South Park Gardens
