Red Sky Foundation and Ashbrooke Sports Club Secure Long-Term Partnership for Fireworks Extravaganza
Red Sky Foundation and Ashbrooke Sports Club have announced a long-term partnership that will secure the future of the much-loved Red Sky Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza, ensuring one of Sunderland’s biggest Bonfire Night celebrations continues for years to come.
Following several hugely successful events, the new agreement will see the two organisations continue working together to deliver the spectacular annual event, raising vital funds to support babies, children and adults living with complex heart conditions across Sunderland and beyond.
Over the past few years, the Fireworks Extravaganza has become one of the city’s most anticipated community events, welcoming thousands of visitors through the gates at Ashbrooke Sports Club. More than just a fireworks display, the event has become a celebration of community spirit, bringing together families, local businesses and supporters while creating lasting memories and raising life-changing funds.
The event has also delivered significant benefits to the local economy, attracting visitors from across the region while supporting the continued development of Ashbrooke Sports Club and its sporting facilities.
Last year’s event helped fund the life-saving overseas heart surgery of Sunderland youngster Ivanna Potts. Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who attended and supported the Fireworks Extravaganza, Red Sky Foundation was able to contribute towards Ivanna’s treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital in the USA. Following her successful surgery, Ivanna is now making an incredible recovery – a powerful reminder of the real impact community fundraising can have.
Sergio Petrucci MBE, Founder of Red Sky Foundation, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to secure the long-term future of the Fireworks Extravaganza.
“What we’ve created together over the last few years has become so much more than a fireworks event. It’s a true community celebration that brings people together while helping us continue supporting heart families facing incredibly difficult journeys.
“Ashbrooke has been an incredible partner, and we’re hugely grateful for their belief in our mission. We’re excited for what the future holds and can’t wait to create even more unforgettable evenings for the people of Sunderland.”
Ashbrooke Sports Club has proudly hosted the event in recent years, providing a welcoming and family-friendly venue for thousands of people to enjoy Bonfire Night safely together.
Ian McConnell, Chair of Ashbrooke Sports Club, said:
“We are proud to work alongside Red Sky Foundation, one of the leading cardiac healthcare charities in the North East, supporting people across Sunderland and the wider UK.
“When we first partnered together, we organised the 2024 event in just six weeks. To now have a long-term commitment in place means we can plan ahead and deliver even bigger and better events for the city.
“Ashbrooke’s fireworks displays were once a proud Sunderland tradition, and we’re incredibly pleased to be bringing that tradition back alongside our friends at Red Sky Foundation.
“Founded in 1887, Ashbrooke Sports Club has a rich sporting history, providing facilities for football, rugby, cricket, squash and bowls, as well as supporting local schools, community groups and holiday clubs. Hosting the Fireworks Extravaganza also helps support the future of sport in Sunderland.
“We enjoy working closely with Red Sky Foundation and look forward to growing this partnership for many years to come.”
We continues to transform cardiac care by funding life-saving equipment, supporting NHS hospitals, installing and maintaining community defibrillators, and providing practical and emotional support to families living with complex heart conditions. Since launching, the charity has invested millions of pounds into cardiac healthcare, helping to save hundreds of lives while supporting thousands of families across the North East and beyond.
Planning is already well underway for this year’s Red Sky Foundation Fireworks Extravaganza, with another unforgettable evening of entertainment, family fun and a spectacular fireworks display promised.
Tickets for this year’s Fireworks Extravaganza are now on sale:
https://uk.emma-live.com/redskyfireworks