Firework Event Fund Raising Tips

Tips for charities, Rotary, Round Table, Lions clubs, Scouts, school Parent Teacher Association ( PTA ).

They are not all encompassing and require the individual to use their own judgement to best meet their specific situation and site with a view to safety.

Most well organised Firework events tend to build up a reputation year on year so when starting out think long term and build upon the success.

Some scout fundraisers who organise bonfire night events over a number of years, have reported profits of over £15,000 for large events.

A modest junior or senior school can start out making profits in excess of £1,000 for the PTA. This can build to in excess of £4000 in time (depending on site and marketing).

Recently a number of high profile fireworks events (Olympics, London Eye New Years Eve, Millennium, etc) have helped to raise the public's expectations of what a good show looks like, ensure you put on a show that will be talked about and worth the public coming to every year.

Marketing

Marketing is hugely important to get the word out and ensure a good attendance. Ensure your marketing plan tells the local public clearly when the event is, what they can expect and what the funds raised are for.

For schools, most parents will support their school PTA event, as it means their children will benefit from the profits. Be sure they know how their child will benefit.   

Ticket Pricing & Dates

Research other local events and see when they usually put their show on and how much they charge, schedule yours before theirs and make sure you are charging less, a guide for a family ticket is approx £10 for a school show.

Ensure a family ticket is cheaper than individual singles, this gives an incentive for larger groups to attend who will spend more on other items during the event.

Friday night is better than Saturday to reduce any conflicts with families social commitments.

Programme

Producing a printed Programme for the event might be attractive to sponsors, it may also be possible to sell advertising space in the programme, including a unique number with a prize may permit selling the programme for a small amount which would further increase your potential revenue, however be prepared to give it away with a family ticket.

Sponsors

Try and get sponsors to pay for all or part of the cost of the fireworks, it may be easier to get someone to sponsor a "grand finale" item than to get full sponsorship.

Remember also to include information about the organisation you are fund-raising for in the programme, and a 'response mechanism' with Gift Aid declaration that people can use to donate to the cause.

Sell tickets

Sell tickets before the event offering a discount against "on the door" prices and print this clearly on the ticket IE £10.00 family ticket £12.50 on the door. This commits people before hand and keeps them away from your competitors bonfire events, it is also a good risk mitigator if it should rain on the night.

Decide if you charge by car, family or by the person as they arrive at the venue. Depending you your venue, ensure you sell tickets to all visitors on the night of your event. Some people will wait to see what the weather is doing and just turn up.
   
Think about ways to make sure you receive payment from as many people as possible. Ensure you have sufficient marshals to process ticket sales efficiently and to stop people by-passing your official points of entry, try to price the event simply to reduce problems with change.

Event within an event

Few people like to stand around in a cold venue waiting for a fireworks display to start. Use the inevitable waiting to your advantage

Suggestions for retailing

• Food, burgers, BBQ, hot dogs, hot soup, Tea, Coffee, Hot chocolate, Mulled wine
• Mini-fete, Fun fair
• Glow sticks, glow necklaces, electronic flashing toys and novelties

Raffle

Depending on the venue and the generosity of the local retailers a raffle can provide another avenue for entertainment and profit.

	Fireworks In Store

	Delivery Details
Fireworks - only available to purchase at the store Our fireworks are on sale all year round at Stephen H. Smith's Garden & Leisure, Pool Road, Otley, simply turn up, select and buy from our range on show near to the front entrance, our online catalogue is amended to show the fireworks generally on sale. During the periods of Bonfire Night and Christmas/New Year we open our larger retail display within Stephen H. Smiths' Garden & Leisure and provide expert advice on fireworks. Should you require a large order of fireworks please telephone us on 0845 6430251 so that we can ensure stock is available and provide you with expert advice.

	The Law
It is illegal to sell adult fireworks to anyone under 18 or for anyone under 18 to possess adult fireworks in a public place. If you are over 18, it is perfectly legal to buy and use fireworks at any time of the year but please note that it is an offence to let fireworks off during night hours (11pm to 7am), except on Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year and Chinese New Year (all 1am).