Thousands turn out to Christchurch park for fireworks

Around 12,000 came out to see the show, led and managed by the 11th Ipswich Scout Troop. 

The event started at 6.00pm until 10.00pm, with the fireworks setting off around 8.00pm. 

Ollie Arthur, events manager and volunteer for the scout group, said:

This was the 53rd annual fireworks show organised by the 11th Ipswich scouts (Image: Nick Owen) "The weather was perfect for fireworks, that was the main thing. It meant that a lot of people could come out and enjoy the show.

"You'll never sell out Christchurch park as it such a big venue, but we hit the expected number, the number we were hoping for.

"We are really pleased with the turnout, it means that we, the scout group, will be funded for an extra year which is what it is all about."

An estimated 12,000 were under the stars enjoying the fireworks display (Image: Nick Owen) As well as the usual firework display there was also a bonfire, LED stilt-walkers, fire performances, DiggerWorld and other family-friendly attractions. 

Three live music stages also hosted local talent from the region - including One-Drum African drummers and Ipswich-based duo Painting the Silence. 

Mr Arthur was keen to stress the importance of the army of volunteers that make the event possible.

Last year's display at the park cost an estimated £25,000 (Image: Nick Owen) "It is a huge team effort, you have the scouts and their parents, supporters who come back year after year.

"You have people who left the group as kids but come back to the event as adults, you have different generations returning who all help out with the event.

"It has been going since 1972, and one of the volunteers from last night was at the first event, and he has been back every single year.

"We have got 30 people now whose job it is to clean up the venue and leave it exactly as we found it. That will take a couple of days, so huge team effort."