First fireworks fantasia went off with a bang

The first Fireworks Fantasia is a soaring success as thousands of people enjoyed the spectacular aerial display.

The firework display was held at the East of England Showground on Saturday night, and, despite wet and windy weather, hundreds of families turned up the evening of entertainment.

Nick Bull, from event co-organisers Vivacity, said they had been pleased with how the night had gone, with an estimated 8,000 people turning up.

He said: “We had a bit of rain and a bit of mud, but other than that it went really well. A few people were put off coming by the forecasts, but we had a lot of people come along.

“We have had a lot of positive feedback from everyone who came. The reaction to the display was very good.”

Along with the firework display itself there was also a fun fair, an indoor soft play area for younger children and musical entertainment on a stage from a Little Mix tribute act. Cast from the Key Theatre panto Beauty and the Beast were also in attendance.

This year’s display was the first time the event had been organised by Vivacity and Live Promotions – for decades the autumn spectacular had been arranged by The Rotary Club and The Round Table.

Mr Bull said: “Overall the reaction has been good. You can never please everyone though.

“We had a lot of messages from people about the Round Table, because they have been organising it for so long.

“All the profits will go into Peterborough’s cultural and arts scene, and our charity partners, Sue Ryder and The Young People’s Counselling Service (YPCS), seemed pleased with how it went.

“There are things we can improve – maybe we can have a bit more on the stage for younger audiences next year, for example.”