Bonfire night fun goes with a bang at Shropshire events

It may have been raining on bonfires across the county, but for most, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night still went with a bang.

Weston Park's bonfire and fireworks night illuminated the sky last night.

The popular family event featured a giant bonfire, two sparkling firework displays, food and drink stalls and large fun fair. And the weather just about held out for the show.

A smaller community event was held at Madeley Cricket Club on Friday.

Club chairman Lawrence Woodhall said that despite rain everyone had a great time watching the 20-minute firework display.

Mr Woodhall said: "I made a point of speaking to everyone who left the site and everyone said they had a fantastic time.

"We had some really good fireworks, they weren't just your normal ones. We had some good bangers with some right clout.

"It's getting better every year, but this year has been a success and hopefully next year will be even better."

On Saturday the wind and rain continued to hammer the region. In Oswestry numbers may have been down, but still about 1,000 people turned out to see the bonfire's 25th anniversary display – enough to ensure the event is safe for future years.

Organised by Oswestry Town Council and the Treble Niners, over the years it has raised over £40,000 for good causes.

Leader of the Treble Niners Mike Wilkinson said: "It was a shame about the weather because it was one of the best display's we've ever had – because it was our 25th anniversary we got an electronic display which made it all the more spectacular.

"It started raining about half way through, but the people stayed and everyone showed their appreciation.

"The Treble Niners are grateful to the people of Oswestry for showing their support.

"Unfortunately we didn't make much money for charity this year, but it was enough to keep it afloat. It's for the town that we do it, really – and there's always another year," he said.

A planned lantern parade from Festival Square had to be cancelled due to the weather, however.

The annual West Mid Bonfire and Fireworks Extravaganza enjoyed calmer, drier weather last night to deliver its biggest spectacle yet at the Agricultural Showground in Shrewsbury.

The showground was open from 2pm for a farmer's market, fun-fair, stalls, food, music and car boot sale and music, before the lighting of the bonfire at 4pm, topped off by the fireworks as darkness fell.

In the south, Church Stretton bonfire and fireworks display was a roaring success with about 2,000 people turning out to the Rectory Field.

Marquees serving hot dogs, burgers and a bar were a hit alongside glow sticks that children waved in the air.

Paul Stevens from the Church Stretton Round Table said the event had been running for about 20 years.

"We've had a good turn our despite the rain earlier when people were deciding whether to come out or not.

"And although we had a bit of wind and rain it didn't spoil anything."

The event is organised by 2nd Long Mynd Scout Group, Church Stretton Football Club and the Church Stretton Round Table. Saturday also saw Caterpillar host its bonfire in Lancaster Road, Shrewsbury, in aid of Crossroads Care and Macmillan.

One of the biggest displays is the traditional fireworks night at Blists Hill Museum in Madeley, which attracted about 3,000 people on Saturday evening.

Community

Traci Dix-Williams, director of operations for the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, said: "We welcomed 3,000 guests to this year's fireworks display at Blists Hill Victorian Town which, despite the weather conditions, was one of the best displays ever thanks to the skills and creativity of Dragon Fire, our fireworks production company.

"It was lovely to hear all the wonderful comments from the visitors as they left talking about how much they enjoyed seeing the town at night, watching the blacksmiths at work and seeing the amazing display.

"Once again we are very grateful for all the support that we have received from our colleagues, volunteers and partners, who make this event possible."

Thousands of people turned up to Wellington Cricket Club's annual fireworks and bonfire evening on Saturday despite the wet weather.

Club secretary Peter Byram estimated that about 3,000 people attended and said it was very well received.

He said: "We were delighted with the attendance considering the weather conditions were pretty dire both for preparation and on the evening.

"It went very well. The general opinion was the fireworks were better than ever. There were not quite as many there as in previous years but a lot more than we expected given the weather. It all went very smoothly."