Oxford South Park fireworks display to be run by Illusion

Award-winning Wallingford organisation Illusion Fireworks will add some sparkle to Oxfordshire's biggest display, this coming winter.

The 52nd event, at South Park on Saturday, November 2, has always used the same provider prior to this year, but after charitable trust organisers Oxford Round Table put the idea of using a new company to a vote, Illusion came out on top.

The company were named British Fireworks Champions 2018 in August, before winning the British Musical Fireworks Championships 2018 in October.

Oxford Round Table Honorary Fireworks Director Chris Langston explained: "Since the start of our annual charity fireworks display in 1967, we had always used the same fireworks provider (Kimbolton Fireworks).

"After each year's display, we quickly firmed up the same company, year after year. On Valentine's Day this year, our love affair with our sole provider came to an end when we were given the news they had ceased trading. None of the members of Round Table had been expecting this news.

Mr Langston continued: "Because of the history and prestige of the event a large number of alternative options approached us about taking on the display from all over the country."

After a short bidding and shortlisting process, members voted on the options.

With the event aiming to benefit the Oxfordshire community, Round Table says it aims to ensure it uses local organisations where possible.

Mr Langston added: "(Illusion) put together a very good proposal and (director Karl Mitchell-Stead's) passion for fireworks and the event shone through.

"Having spoken to people and after watching videos of Illusion displays, the 2018 British Firework champions come highly recommended.

"Even one of the losing bidders endorsed our choice."

All profits from the event will go to charities around the county. More than £1 million has been raised since the event began.

Mr Mitchell-Stead added: “The team and I were extremely proud to be chosen to provide the show by the Round Table committee, the event means a huge amount to me personally and so it is an honour to have the opportunity to show our talents at the county's flagship firework event.

"An awful lot of work went into presenting a proposal that promises a display with a style, rhythm and scale like none before.”

For more information, available closer to the time of the event, visit oxfordfireworks.co.uk/index.php