THE sky above Whitchurch was a sea of colour as people turned out to enjoy this year’s firework and bonfire event.

Around 1,000 people attended the annual event, run by the Whitchurch Festival Association, last Saturday at Millennium Meadow, with each visitor being encouraged to make a donation to the Association.

And there was plenty of fun on offer for people of all ages, including fireworks from Pyrotastic, a Doctor Who-inspired tardis bonfire and a Hallowe’en inspired fancy dress competition.

Eight-year-old Isobel Dixon scooped the top prize ahead of runner-up Lilly Dennis, five.

They both impressed the Mayor and Mayoress of Whit-church, Mike and Jan Kean, with their ghoulish outfits.

Whitchurch Festival Association chairman Rob Dunlop said: “I want to say a big thank-you to everyone who turned out.

“There was a great atmosphere and the feedback so far has been really positive. There was a very strong family feel about the event.”

He added: “In a good way, it changes each year. Previous events have seen more people in their 20s and early 30s coming and this year, there was more of a focus on the family, with mums and dads and kids, and it was great.

“The main reason for starting it was to give something back to the community. The mayor and mayoress were absolutely brilliant – they are just such nice people.”

Any surplus funds raised at the event will go towards other events run by the Festival Association.