THE sky above Basingstoke fizzed, popped and banged as colourful fireworks lit up the sky for the annual Mayor’s Firework Fiesta on Bonfire Night.

Thousands of people flooded into War Memorial Park for the 25-minute display on Tuesday night.

Proceeds from the ticketed event will go towards the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane’s Charity Appeal. This year, money raised will be split between The Bluebells holiday home, in North Waltham, run by Sebastian’s Action Trust, and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF).

On November 5, gates to War Memorial Park opened at 6pm and revellers were able to enjoy the fairground rides or grab a bite to eat ahead of the 7.40pm start of the fireworks display.

The mayor, Cllr Putty, along with Heart Breakfast presenters Matt Brown and Michelle Jordan, led the countdown to the show.

The fireworks display, which was watched by around 7,000 people, was synchronised to music such as the Superman theme tune, and the theme from Pirates of The Caribbean.

Cllr Putty described it as a “wonderful show”. He added: “The display was very well choreographed and I must say it was a fantastic display.

“I must thank the people of Basingstoke and Deane who have supported this event – it shows how brilliant our town is.”

The Bluebells offers respite breaks to children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses, and their families, free of charge, 365 days a year.

Money given to the HIWCF will be put into a cash pot set up by Cllr Putty that will generate interest from which grants will be given to small projects in the borough.