THOUSANDS of people are expected to turn out tomorrow night for the return of Oxfordshire's biggest firework display.
Oxford Round Table's Annual Charity Fireworks Display in South Park was cancelled at last-minute last year, as the nation went into a second national lockdown.
Organisers say they are 'excited' to welcome back crowds tomorrow night (Saturday) to celebrate the annual event's 53rd year.
Chris Langston, 44, from Oxford Round Table, said: “We are on the back of a tough year in 2019 because the weather was poor. The event actually made a loss that year and as well as grappling with Covid-19, it has been a challenge but we are all excited it is coming back to the park.
“Obviously with the pandemic there are a lot of charities out there now who need some assistance with funding in the near future. It will be great to put on a good event, make some good money and donate lots of charity throughout the next year.”
Mr Langston, who is from Witney, added that the weather is ‘looking good’ for the Bonfire Weekend and ticket sales are ‘encouraging’.
The organisers estimate there will be between 12,000 and 15,000 people at the event on Saturday night.
He said: “We are happy with how everything is progressing.”
Mr Langston pointed out there will be sanitising stations around the park and people should stay ‘safe’ by socially distancing where they can.
Oxford Round Table's Annual Charity Fireworks Display features a range of fun activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
These include:
• Traditional fireworks display
• A huge bonfire constructed by Round Table members and volunteers
• Hebborn's Funfair
• Fully licenced bar
• A Super Family Tent, which is a dedicated enclosure and viewing area
The fireworks company in charge of this year’s display is Illumination Fireworks, which is one of the best companies in the country and is a previous UK Fireworks Champions.
Mr Langston added that from what Illumination Fireworks have shown the organisers so far, it looks like it will be a ‘spectacular’ display.
Gates for the display open at 4.30pm with fireworks from 6.45pm followed by the lighting of the bonfire.
Visitors on the night can also enjoy a food village where there will be ‘local favourites’ and street food.
If ticketholders are using public transport to reach the park, on Saturday night Oxford Bus Company will be adding extra buses in the city.
Extra buses will operate on the Park&Ride 400 service and the Fireworks Shuttle services will run every 10 minutes between Thornhill Park & Ride and Warneford Hospital, near the venue in South Park, Headington Hill.
Phil Southall, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “It is fantastic to see this popular community event returning this year. So many people enjoy the display and it raises a lot of money for many good causes.
“We're proud to play a vital part in it again and look forward providing another successful service for passengers travelling to the event.”
Tickets prices for the event are:
• Adults: £8
• Student: £7
• Over 65’s: £6
• Child (5-17): £4
• Under 5’s: FREE
• JackFM VIP Ticket: £20
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