THOUSANDS of people enjoyed a spectacular fireworks show on Saturday as explosions of colour lit up the night sky.

Families flocked to Hatch Warren Community Centre to watch the annual Fireworks Extravaganza in Longcross Lane.

Heart FM entertained the crowds before the display, and there was a host of food stalls offering tasty treats including a hog roast from Newlyn's Farm, chicken and chorizo paella from Simple Franks and chilli and nachos from Yum Yum Catering.

There was also a funfair to entertain children.

The event, organised by Hatch Warren Community Association, drew in the biggest crowd in its history, with more than 6,000 people attending.

More people may have bought tickets for the event because of the cancellation of several annual fireworks shows in the town, including one in Rooksdown and the mayor's fireworks event at War Memorial Park, which was scrapped because of falling attendance figures which resulted in no money being raised for the charity appeal last year.

Stu Colman, chairman of Hatch Warren Community Association, said: "This year saw our biggest ever Fireworks Extravaganza, with the event totally sold out. People from all over Hampshire and Berkshire joined us for a fantastic night of great fireworks, brilliant entertainment from Michelle from the Heart Breakfast Show, great food from our food court and our regular funfair.

"We'd like to say a huge thanks to our volunteers, partners, local residents and of course everyone who attended for supporting the Hatch Warren Community Association and we look forward to seeing you back next year."

Money raised from the event is still being counted, but it will all go back to the community association and help fund the youth club run at the centre.

  • See Thursday's Gazette for more pictures from the event.