GOOD causes are set to benefit from a major revamp to one of the highlights of the Basingstoke and Deane events calendar.

The Basingstoke Big Bang – formerly the Mayor’s Firework Fiesta – will take place on Saturday, November 1 after Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council moved the event to a weekend in a bid to attract more families.

All proceeds from the ticketed event will go towards Councillor Roger Gardiner’s Mayor’s Charity Appeal which is raising money for The Basingstoke Charities, Basing-stoke Dial-a-Ride and Basingstoke Young Carers.

Cllr Gardiner said: “Traditionally, the fireworks event has always happened on November 5, no matter what night of the week the date fell on.

“The feedback from families was that this meant a late night for children during the week.

“We have now moved the event to the Saturday night before November 5 so that more people can enjoy this fantastic family fun event.”

He added: “This year, the display will provide a great finale to the school half-term holidays.”

Tickets for the firework extravaganza can be bought in advance at discounted prices until Thursday, October 30.

These will be priced at £7 for adults, £3 for children under 16 and £16 for a family ticket.

However, tickets can also be purchased on the evening for £8 per adult, £4 for children and £20 for a family ticket.

The display itself will be provided by Frontier Fireworks, and is set to start at 7.30pm.

The event at War Memorial Park will be hosted by Heart Radio and will also feature a bonfire which is returning after a decade-long absence to light up the event after the firework display has finished. A fun fair and refreshments will also be on offer.

Bosses at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, which organises the event, are reminding visitors that personal fireworks and sparklers will not be allowed into the event for safety reasons.

To buy tickets, visit basingstoke. gov.uk/go/fireworks or call 01256 844844.

Tickets are also available to buy from the Civic Offices, in London Road, and The Willis Museum, at the Top of The Town.