Bonfire Night in Shropshire throughout the 1990s brought communities together for organised displays in towns, village playing fields and local sports clubs.
From the preparations, including stacking timber pallets tens of feet high in Donnington and putting together safety packs in Shrewsbury, to the lighting of bonfires in St Martin’s and firework displays at Whitchurch Cricket Club and Gay Meadow, the annual celebrations depended on the efforts of local clubs, volunteers and emergency services.
This gallery looks back at some of the people, events and community efforts that marked Guy Fawkes Night across Shropshire during the 1990s.
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1. Shrewsbury Town players promote Gay Meadow firework show
Shrewsbury Town players pose in their blue and amber home strip at the ground with display rockets on loan from Aces Party Shop to help promote an upcoming Bonfire Night event. Pictured at the back are Gareth Hanmer, Kevin Seabury, and Craig Pountney, joined at the front by Dean Craven and Mark Williams. The club frequently used the pitch and stands to stage large community firework displays for local supporters during the autumn months. | Shropshire Star archive
2. Building the 40-foot bonfire at Donnington Broadoaks
Alf Mitchell (bottom), Tony Mulligan (middle), and Mark Mitchell (top) put the final touches to a massive 40-foot-high stack of wooden pallets at Broadoaks Playing Fields ahead of Donnington's community Bonfire and Firework Display. Promoted with free admission for local families, the towering structure required days of gathering and careful stacking by organisers to prepare for the popular event. | Shropshire Star archive
3. Bonfire Night smiles at Much Wenlock Primary School
Wrapped up against the evening cold in winter coats and woolly hats, pupils smile for the camera during the bonfire and firework display at Much Wenlock Primary School. Pictured from left to right are Georgina Hurst, Hazel Perry, Victoria Hurst, and Sarah Clark enjoying the annual community event. | Shropshire Star archive
4. Wide-eyed wonder at the Whitchurch Cricket Club fireworks
Wrapped up warm in a bobble hat and purple coat, young Eleanor Metcalfe watches the firework display organized by Whitchurch and District Lions Club. Held at Whitchurch Cricket Club, the annual community bonfire and fireworks event drew families from across the local area. | Shropshire Star archive