Liz Nicholls finds out how demand for firework displays at home are rocketing as well as rounding up big and little professional bangs on offer for charity

Eyes turn to the skies at this time of year for the county’s glittering Bonfire Night displays.

But it’s not just the big-bang professional displays that are lighting up little faces. Increasingly, families are looking to set off their own garden displays as well.

Brian Claridge, manager of fireworks specialist Interpart Fireworks in Didcot explains that sales of the firm’s Royal Party brand of bangers are, er, rocketing.

“We’ve seen a big increase on home displays in the six years we’ve been trading,” says Brian.

“People seem to club together a lot more now — with neighbours or friends chucking £20 in to afford a really professional display.”

“It can be addictive, though. Customers normally come in with a budget of £80-£100 for a first time, and then spend more the next year. We just had one customer in from Sutton Courtenay who spent £400 on a display this Bonfire Night.”

 

However, Brian, who runs Interpart, which is owned by friend and colleague Chris Notman, advises caution and courtesy when it comes to home displays.

“First of all, it really is important to buy from an expert,” says Chris. “Supermarket fireworks have much less gunpowder for your money — or bang for your buck — and it’s important to get the right distance advice to stay safe.

“It’s also important to let your neighbours know you’re planning a display in your garden, so that older people and those with pets can prepare.

“Fireworks are great fun, but not everyone loves them, so remember your manners!”

As far as professional displays go, the big daddy of them all is Oxford Round Table’s display next Saturday, in South Park, Oxford, with gates opening at 4.30pm to roll up for lots of hot food. Last year’s event raised £38,000 for a specialist dementia care home. Advance tickets are £6 for adults, £13.50 for a family (visit oxfordfireworks.co.uk).

Meanwhile, this evening will be lit up by a fireworks display at 24th Abingdon Scout HQ in Lashford Lane, Dry Sandford, from 6.45pm with the bonfire and fireworks from 7.30pm (£5 adult, £12 for a family, 01865 580122).

Tomorrow, Didcot’s annual charity spectacular sparks off at 5.30pm (bonfire lit 6.15pm, fireworks 7pm) with a funfair, too. Adults £5, family £12 or call 07774 256466 to find out about advance discounts. Minster Lovell’s Old Swan & Minster Mill also hold a monster display tomorrow night from 6pm, with all proceeds to local good cause Special Effect. £5 adults, £2.50 children, call 01993 774441. And Wallingford has a fabulous Pyromusical Display, at Kinecroft, tomorrow from 5.30pm, with the theme of A Night at the Movies (family ticket £10) or head to Faringdon House from 5.30pm. Bicester lights up tomorrow, too in Pingle Field, with fireworks, a fairground, music and hot food from 6pm. Tickets £5 on the night.

Oxford Mail:

Amber, five, keeps cosy for bonfire night in a witty knitted owl hat from CobWebKnits.co.uk

 

Next Wednesday, Kidlington lights up Stratfield Brake Recreation Ground in Frieze Way from 6pm. Tickets on the night are £5 adults, £4 children (01865 373691). Also find sparkle at Steeple Aston Playing Field in Fir Lane the same evening from 6.15pm (£6 adults, £16 family, cheaper at the village shop or call 01869 340423).

Stadhampton’s display starts at 5.30pm on the village green, and The Three Horseshoes in Garsington also holds its own display with a barbecue. Wednesday is Bonfire Night at The Plough in Wolvercote, (free entry). Next Friday, meanwhile, Matthew Arnold School in Arnold’s Way, holds its own display from 6-8pm with live music and food (£5/£3). Alternatively, head to Grove Rugby Club, in Cane Lane, from 7pm (family £10) or Great Milton, where the display sparks off at 6.30pm. The Isis Farmhouse at Iffley Lock is also up there for one of the most picturesque Bonfire Night settings on Friday – but it’s a long way from a road so take the boat or go on foot. Music comes from James Bell and band, Moogieman and Rosie Caldecott, gates open at 6.30pm, tickets £10 including a free drink.

If you do want to avoid the hustle bustle of South Park next Saturday (November 8), head to a more natural event at Barracks Lane Community Garden, off Cumberland Road, in Oxford, from 4pm. Storytelling around the fire and in the cabin, music, candle decorating, soup and mulled apple juice will be on offer. This event avoids noisy bangs and offers a more mellow vibe. Tickets are £5 adults, £2 per child (07729 655543).

There’s Gunpowder, Treason and Plot at Shipton Cricket Club from 5.45pm, North Leigh sparks off at the same time, and Adderbury Fireworks Night takes place at Bo Peep Farm in Aynho Road from 4.30pm with fairground rides, music, a bar and hot food and drinks (£5 adults, £4 children, 0788 1697470). Standlake Playing Field, in Rack End, also hosts a display next Saturday from 6pm (£4 adults, £2 children, 07776 245513). The same night, there are fireworks (from 9pm), a pig roast and barbecue at The Red Lion in Old Marston, with live music in the lounge.

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