Lewisham Council is appealing to the public to help fund the Blackheath fireworks – the largest free fireworks display in London.

The display, due to take place November 2 at 8pm, has cost the authority £40k in previous years, and has drawn close to 100,000 attendees.

But a Lewisham  Council spokesperson said the display was “under threat due to government funding cuts”, with the authority turning to crowdfunding to raise £20,000 for the event.

Cllr Jonathan Slater, Cabinet Member for Community Sector, said: “Lewisham Council has organised a free fireworks display for over 30 years. With over 80,000 attendees, Blackheath Fireworks is London’s largest free fireworks display and we want residents to continue to enjoy it. However, the event is very expensive to run and the future of the fireworks is at risk due to government funding cuts.

“I encourage anyone that has enjoyed the display in the past and would like it to continue to visit the crowdfunder and donate to help keep the fireworks going.”

If the funding limit is reached, the event will have a funfair from midday, food and bars from 5pm and a fireworks display from 8pm which will last around 15 minutes, a Lewisham Council spokesperson said. 

“It is the biggest free and un-ticketed display in London and regularly attracts thousands of people from across the capital and the south east,” they said.

The crowdfunder is close to reaching £1000, and has over six weeks to hit the £20,000 target.

Anyone who donates to the crowdfunder will get a tote bag, tea towel, and Christmas cards as well as going into a prize draw to press the start button for the display and a VIP view with six friends.

Businesses interested in sponsoring Blackheath Fireworks or getting involved should visit the fireworks web page for more details.

Visit the crowdfunder here.