Lighting up time

CHARITY groups and voluntary organisations across the district will be hoping for a big turnout at this year s Ely fireworks spectacular on Saturday, November 10. All profits from the annual event will be ploughed back into the community through grants an

CHARITY groups and voluntary organisations across the district will be hoping for a big turnout at this year's Ely fireworks spectacular on Saturday, November 10.

All profits from the annual event will be ploughed back into the community through grants and donations.

The organising committee has paid out more than £12,000 in the past year. Latest beneficiaries include MAGPAS, the East Anglian Children's Hospice, Cambridgeshire Young Farmers and City of Ely Swimming Club.

Battle Fireworks will again be lighting up the skies over the cathedral at the biggest local fireworks display that also features side stalls and family attractions.

"We are sticking with our winning formula and avoiding a clash with other fireworks events to maximise attendance at the annual Ely extravaganza," said Des Matthewson, of Ely Round Table, who chairs the event's organising committee.

"The Ely display has a reputation for being one of the best in the region and we will be spending even more this year to keep it that way."

The organisers have appealed for people to buy their tickets in advance to cut down on congestion at the park gates that will open at 6pm, with the bonfire being set alight at 6.45pm and fireworks let off from 7.15pm.

For safety reasons personal fireworks and sparklers are not allowed at the event.

INFO: Tickets are on sale from Nationwide Building Society, Market Square, Lloyds TSB Bank branches in Ely and Soham, and David Baldock Dental Surgery, Broad Street. Adult tickets cost £2.50, children £1.50, family £7 in advance or adult £3, child £2 on the gate.