PHOTOS: Northwich FireFest and Witton Albion bonfire night

Thousands of people flocked to Verdin Park on Saturday (November 2) for the return of one of Cheshire’s biggest firework displays, FireFest.

Organised and run by volunteers from Northwich Rotary, Round Table and Agora clubs, the longstanding annual event helps raise vital funds for local charities.

Chad Millington, chair of Northwich Round Table, said: “It was a truly spectacular display of fireworks and for a small town like Northwich quite outstanding, it’s a real pleasure to be part of such a great event.”

FireFest could be spotted from across town (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

The bonfire was lit at 6.30pm by Mid Cheshire MP, Andrew Cooper, accompanied by Elizabeth Walton, president of Northwich Rotary.

Spectators were then treated to a display from firework professionals, Fantasia, who launched thousands of fireworks accompanied by music from Radio Northwich.

A team of more than 40 volunteers helped ensure everything ran smoothly as well as returning the morning after to pick up litter, clear footways and flatten ruts and divots.

Northwich Rotarian, Uche Azubuike, who was in charge of this year’s event, said: “It’s surprising just how resilient grass is; we do everything we can to minimise damage and we normally find that after a few days the park starts to recover.

“We appreciate that the event can create an initial mess but that needs to be set against the fact that thousands can attend a safe public event.”

Volunteers set up the bonfire ahead of FireFest (Image: Northwich Round Table)

Uche added: “We receive no public funding for FireFest and year on year the cost or running such events has grown considerably as safety requirements have, quite rightly, been tightened.

“As a licensed and regulated community event we have to provide a safe and secure show, there are no short cuts.”

Thanks to ticket sales and commission from vendors, organisers have been able to recoup the costs of the event, with a ‘significant surplus’ left over for local causes, such as the Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity.

Witton Albion hosted a free event on Friday (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

Elsewhere in Northwich, on Friday (November 1) Witton Albion hosted a free fireworks display at the U Lock-It Stadium.

A spokesperson for the club said: “A brilliant turnout this evening!

“Thank you to everyone that came down to the U Lock It Stadium tonight.

“We hope you all had a good time and enjoyed the display!”

Aerial shot of the display at Witton Albion (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)