Firework fiesta (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Firework fiesta

8:00am Tuesday 10th November 2009

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BASINGSTOKE’S night sky was full of colour and noise for the Mayor’s Firework Fiesta – and thousands of people came along to enjoy the show.

Fire-eaters wowed the crowds as they gathered at War Memorial Park while a fairground provided plenty of thrills and spills.

Heart FM roadshow DJs compered the event and provided the soundtrack to the night.

Thursday night’s event was so popular that the start of the firework display was delayed to allow more people to get into the park for a close-up view of the action.

Organisers estimate about 10,000 people flocked to the annual fundraiser, which will hopefully raise more than £25,000 for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

Councillor Brian Gurden, the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, said the night had been a stellar success.

He said: “This event is the single biggest event for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal, and it is clear from the numbers turning up that people in Basingstoke and Deane know they get a good show.”

This year’s beneficiaries of the appeal will be Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Wessex Cancer Trust and Young People’s Information – a counselling service for youngsters.

In keeping with previous years, there was no bonfire because of health and safety rules.

Emma Roberts, 22, from Ravenscroft, in Hook, said: “I don’t mind if there is no bonfire because the fireworks are the best bit, and this year the event is being held on the actual bonfire night. There is a real sense of the community coming together.”

A curtain of rain came down as the firework fiesta started just after 8pm – but it failed to dampen the buzzing atmosphere.

Thankfully the rain quickly lifted as the impressive half-hour show escalated into a dazzling display of colour and noise – bursting into a fizzing glittering golden finale.

Rosie O’Driscoll, 11, from Black Dam, said: “I thought the fireworks were amazing.

“The colours were good, especially the purple and gold – it was better than I thought it would be.”

The mayor’s VIP guests included representatives from the Chinese Embassy, who were invited by event sponsor Huawei, a leading global telecommunications firm which has its UK base in Viables, Basingstoke.

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