Sidbury Fireworks is threatened by Devon County Council cracking down on roadside advertising, Francis Pearce, head of Sidbury Fireworks writes.

Volunteers raising funds for charity say they are worried that a recent crack-down on roadside advertising by Devon County Council could harm attendance at events such as a forthcoming fireworks display.

The 30 volunteers working on the 2024 Sidbury Bonfire and Fireworks hope to raise a record amount for charity at this year’s event, which will feature a massive aerial firework display, live music from Conscious Club, beer tent and barbecue.

The event’s organisers say they are doing their best to hold down prices while aiming to raise a record sum for charities. The biggest item on the bill is the spectacular aerial display, costing £8,000. Other costs include staging and toilet hire. But local suppliers provide discounts and donations in kind, and volunteers carry out all the tasks such as constructing the fire, bar-tending, and marshalling parking.

"Our main aim is making sure people put Sidbury Fireworks in their diaries and come along on November 2, so we need to publicise them as widely as we reasonably can." said organiser Jake Voss.

But like other events, such as village fetes, the Fireworks organisers face hurdles including a recent purge of roadside. Notices advertising similar events and local businesses at busy roadside locations have vanished, recently.

In response, a spokesman for Devon County Council said: "Signs, banners or other items considered to be unsafe, a nuisance, inappropriate, advertising commercial services, or in breach of our terms and conditions may be removed without notice.

"We will always support communities who want to improve their area, but safety is our priority, and it is vital that we are notified first and given at least 20 days’ notice to allow us time to consider the request. The application is free but if a site inspection is required there will be a charge."

The annual event hosted by Sidbury Manor has raised more than £45,000 for charities, most of them local, since it began in 1997. More than £35,000 has been raised in the last 10 years alone, despite the pandemic and bad weather in some years. This year’s lead charity is Sid Valley Memory Café, which brings people together to share advice and experiences of living with dementia.
 

Sidbury Fireworks treasurer Roger Davey Every added: "Every year we have made donations to national and local charities even though we have had one or two years when we have struggled to make a profit. We have everything in place to make a big push this year."

Gates open at 5.30pm on Saturday 2 November at Sidbury Manor for the 2024 Sidbury Bonfire and Fireworks. Tickets cost £10 for adults, £7 for children under 14, with toddlers free. They are available at the gate, from Drews in Sidbury and online from Everbrite, where booking fees apply. Parking is free.
 

Under the Town and Country Planning regulations of 2007 local authorities decide whether or not to permit a particular advertisement. If they say no, the advertiser can appeal to the Secretary of State.

If they are permitted adverts have to be safe and the must not obscure road signs or cause a hazard. They also have to have the permission of the site’s owners.
 

The definition of an advertisement includes posters and notices, placards, and signs directing visitors to an event.
 

In order to get consent an advertiser has to apply to the Planning Department and supply plan and drawings as well as paying a fee. Displaying an advert without consent is regarded as fly-posting, which is an offence.

 

Although rural areas come under stricter rules known as special controls local authorities can make exceptions for local events, including advance signs and directional notices.
 

Signs that go up on verges, roundabouts or ‘highway assets’ without permission are regarded as unauthorised.
 

Unauthorised signs can be removed in accordance with the Highways Act regardless of whether they have consent under the Town and Country Planning Regulations. Signs are stored for up to three months and incur a fee of £143 plus VAT for removal of the first sign and £54 plus VAT for each additional sign removed.
 

DCC says though that ‘discretion may be exercised with regards to signs for local fetes and small charitable events provided that they do not cause a hazard, distraction or visibility problem.’ 

The catch is that they can only go up 48 hours ahead of the event and not more than 500 metres away from where it will take place.