Volunteer fireworks steward notches up 21 years with 100% turnout record
For 21 years, hotelier Greg Haddon has not missed a single volunteering shift keeping the crowds safe during summer and autumn fireworks displays on Great Yarmouth seafront.
Greg has stewarded more than 130 spectacular pyrotechnic displays since 2005 after buying the 16-bedroom Winchester on Euston Road in 2004 – and he’s looking forward to next year’s fireworks already.
“If I am going to do something, I will do it properly,” he said.
“The fireworks in Great Yarmouth is such a fantastic positive thing. Each fireworks night attracts about 5,000 people to the seafront. It really is magical that a six-minute fireworks display can attract so many people and bring so much fun to so many.
“It is lovely to hear the clapping and cheering at the end of each display.
“I have never missed one because I enjoy it so much. It’s hard work (at the hotel) and I enjoy going out to the fireworks, meeting and chatting to the people and making sure everyone is safe.”
Greg took over the mantel of firework steward from the Winchester’s previous owners, joining the band of hoteliers and guest house owners who regularly turn out as stewards for Big Wednesdays and the October half terms firework displays.
“The objective of the displays is to get people to the seafront and spending money in local businesses. The acts that entertain people on the seafront before the fireworks were introduced so people will come out early to enjoy more time before the 10pm display.”
Hoteliers and guest house volunteers are joined by The Great Yarmouth Lions as seafront and beach stewards maintaining order and calm for the displays, which are organised and funded by Visit Great Yarmouth.
Part of the joy is watching visitors and locals mixing and chatting, Greg said.
“Often children start to play and the parents get chatting. It brings visitors and locals together”
Locals had a big pride in “their” Big Wednesday displays, and this summer’s new attraction of a light aircraft painting the sky in glorious technicolour at dusk by firing thousands of fireworks ahead of the main display – the only display of its kins in the UK – took local pride to a new level, Greg said.
“The displays now are far superior to what they were when I first started when they used to go off one by one with gaps in between. Now a lot go up at the same time. It is so spectacular with all the shapes – the hearts and stars – it is so impressive.”
Steward duties have changed over the years but the essence of fun remains.
“Years ago, fireworks were on a Saturday night and the role of stewards involved putting up the boundary tape for the display and the posts and keeping the crowds behind the tape. Now the security people put in the posts and we take down the tape at the end.”
Greg, who is on the board of the Great Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area (GYTABIA), known as Visit Great Yarmouth, has made voluntary stewarding a family affair. His son, Gary, also helps along with Greg’s friends.
“Gary helped, went away to university, came back and comes over with his wife and two children for the displays, and my friend is also involved, and we all go down in our shorts and t-shirts as stewards.”
Asa Morrison, CEO of Visit Great Yarmouth, said:
“We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers from the guest houses and the Lions.
“Greg and all our volunteers embody the spirit of giving up their time for the greater good.
“Their relentless enthusiasm, commitment and ambassadorship for Great Yarmouth and all it offers visitors and locals is an example, and typical of the support we enjoy from our businesspeople as we endeavour to draw as many people to our destination as we can.”
