The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A bonfire and firework display this weekend will help fund veterans and young people attend next year’s D-Day celebrations.
Local philanthropist and owner of the Anglia Motel, Harold Payne, is hosting the regular event on Saturday, November 3.
All profits will go towards taking local veterans to Normandy for the commemorations, as Harold has done for the last 29 years.
For next year’s 30th anniversary, Harold also wants to take young people from several towns including Spalding and Holbeach with the veterans, the youngest of whom will be 97 next year.
The bonfire is the latest fundraising to ensure the veterans and young people can attend without having to fund it themselves.
There will be two fireworks displays, both of 20 minute durations.
Harold said: “It’s one of the best shows in the country.
“It will be spectacular and we look forward to welcoming everyone for the show.
“We’ve done this a number of years now and it’s always an excellent event.”
Harold believes next year’s trip to Normandy and the fundraising surrounding it may be his last due to the age of the veterans.
But that’s also why he’s looking to take younger blood next time.
“The veterans I take are all going to be aged between 99 and 97 next year,” he said. “Being able to take the young people alongside them and to see the sacrifice these people made will be amazing for them.”
The gates open for Saturday’s bonfire at 5.30pm with the fire being lit at 6pm.
The first of the two, 20 minute shows starts at approximately 7pm.
Children up to three-years-old can enter free, it’s £7 for 3 to 10-year-olds and £9 for general admission to the event.
