THOUSANDS of people in Trowbridge looked to the skies last night to take in the spectacular display of fireworks in Southwick.

Organised by the Bradford on Avon Rotary Club, the annual bonfire was feared to be cancelled due to rain but spirits weren’t dampened as over 2,000 spectators made their way to the Greenfield Hills site to watch the event.

Rotarian Michael Pope, who has helped organise the event for the last six years, said:“The rain never seemed to stop all day and even when people were arriving, I was still terrified because I didn’t know if the bonfire would light.

“When you think of it, people will came out with their kids despite it raining and while numbers were down from last year because of the weather, we were so grateful for the people who did come because the conditions were terrible.

“The display itself started at four minutes past seven and they must have finished just after half past which must be the biggest and longest display in Wiltshire.

“God knows how many fireworks were let off but they kept coming to the delight of the crowd. The firework suppliers come all the way from Hampshire so they definitely put on a show.”

The display, which has been running in the town for the last 30 years, was previously organised by the Trowbridge Roundtable group and was taken on by the Bradford on Avon Rotary Club six years ago.

Mr Pope added: “We had entertainment for an hour or so beforehand and the band were the perfect warm up as they got the crowd going which was perfect in spite of the miserable weather.

“Because it rained all day, I was really worried that the bonfire wouldn’t light but thankfully, after a few times, it got going. I try not to make it big as you never know what way the wind will be blowing.

“We do these events to fundraise and it is a perfect way of making money for local charities which we like to support as much as we can.”