LARGS fireworks will go with a bang after all — thanks to a successful last minute push to save the annual celebration.

Last week we reported that the volunteer organisers at Largs and District Round Table were struggling to host the traditional bonfire night celebrations because of rising costs and falling memberships.

Now the appropriately themed ‘Superhero’ fireworks show on Saturday 8 November is expected to be bigger than last year after various groups and individuals - including the Largs Events group and local councillors - pledged to do what it would take to get the go ahead for Guy Fawkes Night.

Largs Events chair, Ian Murdoch, said he was more than happy to help out, having spoken to the Round Table. He also helped to secure support from North Ayrshire Council via Depute Leader Councillor Alan Hill to provide funding to the local Round Table which should ensure this year’s fireworks event goes ahead.

Ian told the ‘News’: “When I read in the paper last week that the fireworks had been cancelled I decided that I would need to see if I could help. I called Councillor Hill who immediately pledged financial support from the Council. Largs Events have also offered to assist on the day of the event and we will provide some stewards on the night.

“I would also put out an appeal to other groups within the town to come forward and assist the community efforts to keep the fireworks going.” Largs Round Table have been delighted by the reaction of the local community and welcomed the support from North Ayrshire Council, Ian Murdoch and Largs events, the three local councillors, Largs community council and the wider community for their support.

Scott McGregor, of the Table, said: “I would like to thank the people and businesses of Largs. Not many communities could have rallied so quickly and efficiently.” Mr Murdoch emphasised that the event remained a Largs Round Table event but urged more people to get involved in the future to prevent a repeat. He said: “I must emphasise that we at Largs Events are only assisting to facilitate the event and get it back on for everyone’s enjoyment. This remains a Round Table event and hopefully the publicity behind this will help highlight their current membership difficulties.” Councillor Hill reiterated the importance of community events like the fireworks. He said: “North Ayrshire Council is a great supporter of community events and runs the very successful Viking Festival Fireworks Event. As an administration we are pleased to do what we can to assist the local effort to keep the November Fireworks event going. This is a very well attended event and one that local youngsters in particular look forward to.

“It would be a tragedy if it were not to continue. It would be marvellous to think that the community can come together to offer support.“ “Mr Murdoch and Largs Events already organise the successful Largs Family Fun Day so they are a perfect fit for getting involved in assisting the Round Table with this event. I would also echo Ian’s call for other groups locally to pledge support and in particular to provide stewards to help on the night.” Scott has urged everyone in Largs to come and enjoy this year’s event on November 8.

He said: “Largs and District Round Table have been overwhelmed by the response concerning the annual firework display. The offers of assistance in terms of finance and time have been nothing short of outstanding.

“Thanks firstly to the Largs and Millport Weekly News for publishing our plight on the front page, then to those who shared that on social media, and to the people who got in touch with us to see what could be done.

“This has all culminated in the great news that the 2014 Largs firework display will now go ahead on November 8 with a bigger show than last year. The theme will be superheroes and that is very apt given the circumstances.

“Special thanks are due to North Ayrshire council, Largs events and Largs community council plus our very good friends at Reaction fireworks who have managed to fit us in. They were as relieved as anyone as this is one of their favourite shows of the year.

“We look forward to seeing you all at the Pencil on the 8th come rain, hail or snow.”