A RECORD crowd of more than 20,000 enjoyed Oxford’s annual fireworks show in South Park, benefitting local charities to about £32,000.

After the display, there was the burning of the 26ft wicker ‘Ice Princess’. It had taken artist Dan Barton, from Fyfield Wick near Abingdon, three weeks to build from a design by Wallingford schoolboy Joshua Webb, seven.

Organiser Jason Priest, of the Oxford Round Table said: “Records have been smashed.

“The crowd was way beyond what we were expecting and in a credit crunch it was shocking.

“The feedback I have had was that it was one of the best displays ever.”

Hundreds of people again watched the display from outside the park, avoiding paying an entrance fee.

Mr Priest said collectors had tried to pass a bucket round to the entrance-dodgers but they refused to donate cash.

He said: “It’s very upsetting and distressing to see.”

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the night will be Rosy – Respite nursing for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngsters – which will receive 20 per cent of the gate fees.

Martin McDonagh, 41, from Headington, watched the fireworks and bonfire with his daughter sat on his shoulders.

He said: “It was brilliant and a great atmosphere.”

Daughter Caitlin, 11, added: “I thought the fireworks were really good; some of them made a great noise and people were cheering.”

Fergus Campbell, 41, from Cowley, watched the display with son Benjamin.

He said: “It was definitely worth the trip.”

Pat Whitehouse, 58, from Headington, has watched the display for the last 30 years.

She said: “It was great and the wicker man is quite fun.”

Crowds also enjoyed a show at Botley Primary School on Friday night, while on Saturday displays were held at Long Furlong Community Centre in Abingdon, Bampton Recreation Ground, Bloxham Primary School, Charlbury Cricket Club, Brasenose Park in Didcot, Wheatley Primary School and in the villages of Standlake and Chacombe, near Banbury.