Fireworks event is 'best ever' (From Wiltshire Times)

Fireworks event is 'best ever'

4:00pm Monday 5th November 2007 in News By Craig Evry

THOUSANDS of people descended on Broughton Gifford near Melksham on Friday as a spectacular fireworks display was played out to music.

Organiser Mike Bailey, 62, hailed the event as the best ever, with a record attendance.

Three guys, made by children from youth organisations in the village, were placed on the bonfire, which was lit with the help of 10,000 firecrackers.

The display on the Common was organised by Broughton Gifford-based Steve Jacobs of Flashpoint Fireworks, with fireworks let off to music, including tunes from the Black Eyed Peas, Riverdance and Kill Bill. At one point the letters B and G were illuminated as a tribute to the village.

A hog roast, beer tent and food stalls kept the crowds fed and watered, while children could let off steam on a fairground ride and a range of stalls, including a smash the crockery stand.

Georgia Shanahan, 11, of Trowbridge, said: "The fireworks were amazing - there was so much colour. The display was one of the best I have seen and the bonfire was huge."

Mr Bailey said: "There was about 3,000 people there. We are still counting the money now.

"The police did an absolutely first class job. Without them we could have had a few problems. St John Ambulance were also a great support."

Police confiscated alcohol from underage youths during the event.

Profits will be split between the village hall committee and other community groups in the village.

• At the Pig and Whistle pub, in Forest Road, Melksham, on Saturday, up to 150 revellers were treated to a Gunpowder plot spectacular, with brothers Neil and Ian Mitchell creating the Houses of Parliament from plywood.

Flares were placed behind the display and a light illuminated the windows to give the impression it was on fire.

Landlord Tony Dobbin. 43, said: "We raised about £70 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind through people throwing money into Guy Fawkes' boat and dropping money into a bucket.

"I want to thank all the regulars who helped make the night such a success."

• Scores of Bratton villagers assembled on the green before taking part in a torchlight procession to the recreation ground for a fireworks display to music on Saturday.

The procession was led by Bratton Silver Band and the fireworks by Northern Lights, the British Musical fireworks champions, were organised by the Jubilee Hall management committee.

Lots more photos in this week's Wiltshire Times.