Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Thousands flock to enjoy the fireworks
The night sky over Canterbury was a blaze of colour as the city marked Bonfire Night with dazzling fireworks displays. Among the biggest were at Tyler Hill on Saturday and the Kent Spitfire Cricket Ground on Sunday.
About 5,000 spectators enjoyed the Tyler Hill display, first held in 1973 before a crowd of a few hundred. It raises money for the village hall and recreation ground.
Hall committee member Robin Whiting, who has been involved in the building of the bonfire since 1974, says the 20-minute display was as dazzling as ever. He said: “A lot of work goes into it, especially with all the health and safety rules these days, so it’s nice to see families enjoying themselves. We have trained villagers who work with Pains Fireworks rather than bringing in an outside display company.
“We are hoping to make a decent profit for the hall, which is being re-roofed in January. Although we have a grant from Viridor for that, there are still other things we need to buy.”
There was an even bigger turnout at the cricket ground where 6,500 visitors passed through the gates – more than for any cricket match this year.
It started at 3pm with a fairground and kmfm presenter Laura Crockett was there to get the show going including music from Old Town Souls. The display is in its 10th year. Club spokesman Thomas Brown said: “The city council and Stagecoach waived park and ride charges at New Dover Road and invited donations to the Pilgrims Hospice which raised £1,070.