The annual Bicester Round Table firework display was attended by thousands and is expected to have raised more than £10,000.

The event, which included a bonfire, rides, stalls and a lively firework display, took place on Saturday, November 2 at Pingle Field.

Chairman of Bicester Round Table, Adam Holloway, said the team were "thrilled" with the turnout for this year's event.

The event, which was hosted by local children’s entertainer and comedian Aaron Williams, had around 3,000 people attend. 

Each year a nominated guest is invited to 'switch on' the fireworks, and this year 11-year-old Ayla Bosher pushed the button. 

She was chosen by the Round Table group due to her efforts raising money for Alexandra House of Joy, a local charity which provides day time support, respite care and end of life hospice for adults in the community. 

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Ayla's mother, Annette Bosher, said her daughter was "lost for words" when she found out she had been chosen.

Aaron Williams with Ayla BosherAaron Williams with Ayla Bosher (Image: Eddy Xi Gong)

The 11-year-old started fundraising for the charity in February 2023, and Annette's sister nominated her to push the button for the fireworks. 

Ayla found out she had been chosen while on a day out at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock last week. 

"She was really surprised, she can’t believe she was chosen. She's seen children press the Christmas lights before and she's often wondered how they get to do it," said Ms Bosher.

"Everyone is incredibly proud of her, she’s an absolute angel, such a lovely little girl.

"They were all really lovely with her, we want to thank them for choosing her.”

11-year-old Ayla Bosher (Image: Eddy Xi Gong)

Speaking on the turnout for the event, Mr Holloway said: “We always feel a sense of pride and community on fireworks night as the people of Bicester never disappoint and for an event that’s been running for almost 50 years, we’re thrilled that so many people came to enjoy the display with us.

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"The attendance was brilliant this year and whilst the figures are still being calculated, we expect to raise in excess of £10,000, allowing us to continue supporting local charities and worthy causes."

Mr Holloway said: "Aaron did a fantastic job of warming the crowd up before the display was started by our special guest Ayla, aged 11, who was chosen by our members to start this years display due to her fantastic efforts raising money for Alexandra House of Joy, a local charity who we have supported ourselves a number of times of the last few years.

"A massive thanks must go to all our volunteers who gave time to help out throughout the weekend, without whom an event like this would simply not happen.”

Mr Holloway added that if there are any males aged between 18-45 who’d like to join Bicester Round Table and support these events to get in touch via bicester@roundtable.org.uk.