Ely Fireworks 2018: Hundreds marvel as dazzling display of colour lights up the city skyline

A fireworks extravaganza lit up the skies of Ely as hundreds marvelled at a 25-minute display from the team behind some of Britain’s biggest displays.

Wow! Incredible display for Ely Fireworks tonight at Cherry Hill Park. @KimboltonFwks who are behind some of Britain's biggest events made sure the evening went with a bang! ? #elyfireworks2018 pic.twitter.com/4sn75rsIoa
— Clare Butler (@CButler_Cambs) November 10, 2018

Revellers braced the wet weather at Cherry Hill Park on Saturday night to see host Jeremy Sallis countdown to the dazzling display by Kimbolton Fireworks.

The pyrotechnicians are behind some of Britain’s biggest displays in recent years - including the New Year’s Eve bash in London and the 2012 Olympics.

The Ely Standard and BBC Radio Cambridgeshire had partnered with the Ely Community Event – who were formed of three Rotary clubs and nine scout groups - to make sure that the evening went with a bang.

Ely Standard: Hundreds attended Ely Fireworks 2018 as a fantastic display by Kimbolton Fireworks set alight the skies. Picture: Clare Butler Hundreds attended Ely Fireworks 2018 as a fantastic display by Kimbolton Fireworks set alight the skies. Picture: Clare Butler (Image: Archant)

Before the main spectacle, the Mayor of Ely Councillor Mike Rouse, in full ceremonial dress, inspected the effigies of Guy Fawkes built by local school children.

The winner from Littleport was announced to shouts of delight as the bonfire was lit and turned into magical volcano of fire.

A one minutes silence was at observed at 6.45pm as members of the British Legion gathered to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Ely Standard: Hundreds attended Ely Fireworks 2018 as a fantastic display by Kimbolton Fireworks set alight the skies. Picture: Lee Rouse Hundreds attended Ely Fireworks 2018 as a fantastic display by Kimbolton Fireworks set alight the skies. Picture: Lee Rouse (Image: Archant)

Hot dogs, burgers, pizzas and many other items of hot food were served from 5.30pm in the giant food hall marquee by the Ely District Scouts.

Mark Grainger, his wife Marie and their two children Ellie and Ben had travelled over an hour to see the display.

Mrs Grainger said: “I think that was better than what you see in London. We were standing right by the front and the children loved it.

“Everything has been organised so well, it was worth coming out in the cold for.”

Local Rotarians, scouts and the St John’s Ambulance ensured that the crowds were kept safe, while Pudsey Bear posed for selfies and kept the little ones entertained.

Funfair rides, a barbecue and delicious desserts were also on offer.

Jeff Hide, past president of Ely Hereward Rotary and retiring chairman of the community team, said: “This was truly a community event, for the community by the community and will result in thousands of pounds being donated to local charitable causes.

“The target of our objectives has been achieved and we now have a new charitable organisation representative of the community here in Ely which has proven itself willing and able to provide service.

“It has been hard work over the past none months by dozens of experienced volunteers to whom a debt of gratitude is owed and it has been worth it.”