Thousands of people turned out to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display and Halloween themed event in Shropshire.

Organisers of Shrewsbury Bonfire and Halloween Spectacular, which took place at the West Mid Showground on Saturday, today said the event had been a massive success. Families started arriving in the afternoon with fun, games and activities organised ahead of the lighting of the bonfire and a 20-minute fireworks display.

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The event featured two spectacular skydives by The Black Knights, one of only two military teams in the UK able to jump at night. 

The bonfire was lit by Ellie Ashley, a child from Hope House, and Councillor Alan Parkhurst, deputy mayor of Shrewsbury and Atcham, ahead of a fireworks display which lit up the sky.

Throughout the day and night there were also traditional games including apple bobbing and fancy dress competition, while there was also a licensed bar for adults and hot food and a fairground.

The police, fire service and ambulance service were also in attendance with static interactive displays.

Gary Tudor, commercial director of the West Mid Show, said the event had been a fantastic day for all the family.

And he said the weather had been kind, meaning there was a clear sky allowing people to see the spectacular fireworks display.

He said: “The event was a great success. There was a wonderful fairground with lots of attractions and for all of the children we had a variety of workshop activities in the member’s pavilion.

“More than 100 children took part in that, and there was also a fancy dress competition.

“The fireworks lasted for about 20 minutes and there was also a clear view of them, so we were quite lucky with the weather.

“The general comments from the public was that it was a fantastic event. I think everyone was amazed by the fireworks display and scale of it. We look forward to delivering another event of a similar standard, if not better, next year.”

He also issued a thanks to sponsors and helpers who were involved in the day.

By John Kirk