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 2023 we were able to return almost £27,000 back to the community. And in 12 years we have now given back more than £190,000!

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 4000+ 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” on February 7th 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?

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!

Richard Benson – Pre-Show Coordinator

This year our Chairman will be very busy on the night as he is co-ordinating the pre-show event and the fireworks. Our good friend Simon Tuck, known to many from various events, DJ’ing and his Pantomime roles, will be compering the event for us,

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.

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!

Mariella Cook – Social Media & Publicity

This year Mariella has taken on Social Media and the website with great help from Kirsty Bourne. Mariella is known to many for her tireless volunteering for so many organisations and events around the town. Kirsty is well known to all for The Oracle.

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/Andrea Stephenson – Volunteering/Welfare

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. Andrea also helps with Welfare making sure the event runs incredibly smoothly and together with Karen they make an exceptional team.