Thousands flock to big Shropshire bonfire displays

And the county's fireworks and bonfire extravaganza is set to continue this evening as a host of further events take place.

Among the biggest draws over the weekend was the display last night at the West Mid Showground in Shrewsbury, where a crowd of thousands was treated to a 20-minute fireworks spectacular.

The start of the fireworks had to be delayed for about 20 minutes due to the numbers still coming through the gate at the scheduled start-time of 6pm.

Problems were partly caused by delays to motorists due to ongoing major roadworks in Shrewsbury town centre as part of the Northern Gateway regeneration project.

Cross Street, the road underneath the railway bridge, was closed on Sunday, causing tailbacks for drivers in getting to the West Mid Showground in Berwick Road.

But spirits were still high among those who attended the event after the spectacular fireworks got under way, while other attractions on the site at the family-friendly event included a funfair and live music.

Rachel Batty, 26, who lives in Shrewsbury town centre, said: "Despite the initial delay, it was a beautiful firework display.

"It was a bit muddy so I needed my wellies."

It was far from the only big display going on throughout the weekend, with crowds out in force across the county.

At Blists Hill Victorian Town in the Ironbridge Gorge on Saturday, more than 3,000 people attended its spectacular fireworks display.

Chris White, exhibit officer, said: "It went very well and I think everyone had a great time. The catering manager said they were very busy.

"There were queues for the chippy and we could even have done with another shop.

"The exhibits were open for people to see and everyone had a great time.

"We hold this every year and we think of it as the finale to our summer season before we start our winter season."

Other events which were taking place across the county over the weekend included those at Wellington Cricket Club, Bridgnorth Rugby Club, Weston Park and Maesydre Recreation Ground in Welshpool.

Hundreds of people also turned out to other early Bonfire Night events on Saturday and Sunday, such as the show put on at Caterpillar in Lancaster Road in Shrewsbury and the display and torchlight procession at Brongyntyn Park in Oswestry.

And the celebrations are set to continue across the county tonight, with revellers out and about needing to wrap up warm with temperatures expected to drop as low as 4C this evening.

Among the events going on is the bonfire at Dearnford Lake near Whitchurch, which will include two lakeside fireworks displays.

A spokesman for the event said: "The fun fair will open at 5pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6pm. The sound sensitive firework display for children will start at 6.30pm followed by a full firework finale at 7.30pm."

Tickets on the gate cost £7.50 for adults, £4 for children and £20 for family ticket, which covers two adults and up to three children.

Meanwhile, at Oakmeadow Primary School in Bayston Hill, near Shrewsbury, its bonfire night and fireworks will get under way from 5.30pm, with entry costing £3 for adults and £2 for children.

And a free event will be taking place at the Kennel Fields in Llanidloes. Organised by the local Rotary Club, the fun will start from 6.30pm.

For more information, call Charles Cowan on (01686) 413099.