§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what(a) public and (b) Lottery funds were used in connection with the Millennium River of Fire; and if he will make a statement. [105904]
§ Janet AndersonThe "Big Time" event on New Year's Eve in central London incorporated a wide range of activities and entertainment throughout the day attended and watched, safely, by about 3 million people. The River of Fire was one part of a spectacular firework display which itself was one part of Big Time. The 17 minute display was enjoyed by people along the Thames embankment and from other vantage points, as well as by a world-wide television audience. No public or lottery funds were involved in paying for the pyrotechnics. The New Millennium Experience Company, who were asked by the Government, the Millennium Commission and other public agencies and organisations involved in the event to co-ordinate and manage it, have, in the absence of major commercial sponsorship for the London-wide event to complement Millennium Commission's grant under their Millennium Festival programme, underwritten these costs.