About 14,000 people descended on playing fields in Telford for one of the biggest bonfire parties in the country.
They gathered in Broad Oaks, Donnington, to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday night at the annual Donnington Mammoth Bonfire. The mammoth bonfire measured 50ft by 30ft. And, as well as the fireworks, visitors to the bonfire party also enjoyed a funfair.
But the fun event was tinged with sadness for Alf Mitchell, who is standing down as organiser after 28 years in charge.
Over the years it has raised thousands of pounds for charities through charity stalls being held at the event.
But his wife, Jennifer, said today the credit crunch seemed to be hitting people’s wallets with less money spent this year.
Mrs Mitchell said: “There was a lot of people, but there seemed quite a shortage of money. They weren’t spending so much.”
However it still a successful event, she said, adding: “There were no problems and plenty of security and police.”
Atmosphere
“There was a very good atmosphere and we were very lucky with the weather.”
Mr Mitchell, 70, and his wife began holding the bonfire after they were approached by a councillor, who asked them to organise one. But this year Mr Mitchell had been doing less of the physical work and leaving that to his son, Mark.
The bonfire was more unusual this year as it was topped by not one, but two guys, courtesy of Leapfrog Nursery, based in Priorslee, and Overdale Baby Unit.
They had both entered a competition to create a guy, but organisers could not decide which one to pick.
The guy at Leapfrog Nursery was made with fabric, old clothes and lots of Shropshire Star newspaper stuffing – causing the group to rename him Norman Newspaper.
Jemma Ambler, Leapfrog pre-school baseroom manager, said: “They were all so excited when they found out they had won .
“Quite a few of the families went to the bonfire and it was extra special for them.
“They had so much fun making him, they picked out his clothes and all asked lots of questions about the story behind it all.”
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