By Mal Butler

THE annual Yarmouth fireworks could be extinguished next year if people do not put more money in the collecting buckets.

Yarmouth Carnival Committee chairman, Chris Waddington, organiser of the event, is threatening to cancel the display, after Sunday's show, because of rising costs.

Chris said: "It costs us £6,000 for the fireworks and we have people coming into town from all over the Island and the Mainland watching the display for free.

"It's not fair. The Carnival Committee isn't an organisation as such and we have no sponsorship. Everything is done by volunteers who do the fund-raising.

"But, when we ask for a donation on the night, many of the collectors are ignored or given pennies. Where else on the Island can a family of four get to see a fantastic show, like the one we put on, for nothing?

"If people are not prepared to put their hands in their pockets, I am seriously thinking of cancelling it after Sunday."

The event starts from 6pm with a guy competition in The Square. Destination Yarmouth is also holding its own competition requesting pictures of guys for its Facebook page.

There will also be a hog roast, mulled wine, toffee apples and hot chestnuts on sale. A torchlight parade will walk towards The Common where the fireworks, depending on the weather, will be released just off The Common or at the end of the Pier.

Chris added: "We have had parking issues in the past, but have now got permission to use The Green by the car park in the town, as long as the ground is firm, and an overflow parking area.

"We will have stewards on hand to direct traffic and hope to accommodate everyone who drives here for what will be another fantastic night."