ORGANISERS of Chippenham's fireworks display promised a sparkling laser display to replace the traditional bonfire but it turned into more of a damp squib.

Many took to Twitter on Saturday night to voice their disappointment and now Chippenham Rotary Club is to hold an investigation into what went wrong.

The quality and content of the laser show, which was set to music, failed to live up to expectations.

One visitor, Steve Lavery, Tweeted: “Chippenham laser show looked like a poor quality 1982 video…not entertainment.”

While Lorna Miller said on Twitter: “Chippenham fireworks absolutely awful. Laser show not child appropriate!”

There was no bonfire at the Guy Fawkes celebration in the Wiltshire Council owned Monkton Park due to environmental, safety and insurance concerns.

Despite that, more than 3,500 people arrived to enjoy the rides, sparklers and stalls on offer as well as the laser show and 25-minute firework display.

Chippenham Rotary Club president, Mike Oakes, said: “We will be investigating the content and quality of the laser show with our supplier.

“We were thrilled with the numbers that turned up. We would like to thank the people of Chippenham for their support, it was a great event with over 3,500 people there. ”

With no bonfire, the park was illuminated using lights usually used to help workers conducting roadworks on the motorway for the safety of visitors.

“Safety was paramount, we had to make sure we had enough illumination," Mr Oakes added.

“There was no way we could guarantee to Wiltshire Council, who own the land, that nothing would happen.”

Chippenham Rotary Club, which spends thousands of pounds to put the event on, were supported on the night by Rotary club volunteers from Marlborough and Trowbridge.

The profit from the evening, which is still to be finalised, will be used to help community groups as well as providing direct support to Rotary projects both locally and overseas.

The Rotary Club has been organising the main fireworks display in Chippenham for more than 40 years.

It was introduced as a safe alternative to individual displays, which would also benefit good causes, after a Rotarian and doctor got tired of the number of burns injuries he saw following Guy Fawkes celebrations.