CALLINGTON’S spectacular firework display, the largest free event of its kind in Cornwall, has been cancelled for only the second time in its 20 year history after sponsors Ginsters decided to pull out.

The fireworks event at Callington College is one of the main attractions for residents and families from across Cornwall and has long been sponsored by Ginsters, at an annual cost of around £25,000.

But this year, the sponsors announced they were ‘taking a pause’ due to other local commitments. In addition there have been some practical and operation considerations regarding the location and traffic flow.

A spokesperson for Ginsters said the company had been ‘delighted’ to have supported the event for a good number of years but it wanted to focus on other projects in the community. They said no decision had yet been made on whether they would sponsor the event in future.

Reacting on behalf of the council, Callington portreeve and mayor Cllr Suzan Tolman was saddened by the news: ‘It is naturally saddening to see the halting of the sponsorship but I would like to thank the company for all the support they have given the fireworks event over the last 20 years.

‘However, we fully understand that they want to focus on other community activity for the moment.’

Cornwall Councillor for Callington Andrew Long added: ‘Ginsters and The Cornwall Bakery Company continue to be very important to Callington. I have had briefings with the company recently and they continue to invest heavily in the Callington site.

‘A number of jobs have recently been created in a new shared services centre for the Samworth Brothers Group and they are investing in a multi-million pound new energy plant at Callington.

‘We thank Ginsters and The Cornwall Bakery for their sponsorship of the fireworks over many years and their other community support in Callington, where they are involved with many local organisations.

‘We don’t know what is going to happen next year but they are taking a pause for this year.’