THIS year s fireworks fiesta in Ely looks set to be an explosive event, as its organisers have promised the biggest and best city display yet. Ely and District Round Table has signed up leading UK display team Battle Fireworks to light up the skies at the

THIS year's fireworks fiesta in Ely looks set to be an explosive event, as its organisers have promised the biggest and best city display yet.

Ely and District Round Table has signed up leading UK display team Battle Fireworks to light up the skies at the city's biggest annual fund-raising event on Saturday, November 11.

It is hoped that a bigger display and added attractions should result in some of the biggest crowds ever seen at the annual crowd-puller, resulting in even bigger payouts to local charity groups and good causes.

"We have stuck with our winning formula of holding the Ely display a week after most fireworks displays so as not to compete with similar local events," explains Des Matthewson, on behalf of the organising committee.

The event brings together many local societies who pull together to help Round Table put on the show, including Ely 41 Club, Ely Lions, Cambridgeshire Young Farmers and the Ely Folk Festival.

As in previous years, every local school that delivers a guy to the event on the day is guaranteed to receive £50 with the best entry scooping a £150 first prize.

"The guy competition is an very much part and parcel of the whole event and helps to involve local schools in what is truly a community event," says Mr Matthewson.

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

INFO: Tickets are now on sale from Nationwide Building Society, Market Square, Lloyds TSB Bank Branches in Ely and Soham, David Baldock Dental Surgery, Broad Street. They cost: Adult £2.50, Child £1.50, Family £7.00 in advance or Adult - £3.00, Child £2.00 on the gate.

# WILBURTON will host a magnificent fireworks display commemorating the fallen heroes in the Battle of the Somme on Saturday, November 4.

Organisers have decided to mark remembrance day with the display - which will be set to music - at Wilburton Recreation Ground.

"Put the music and the fireworks together and you have what promises to be one of our most impressive displays yet,"a spokesperson said.

The event promises to be a fantastic night out for the entire family, and will feature a fun-fair, barbecue and a bar.

INFO: Doors open at 6pm, with the fireworks display starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £4.50(adults), £2.50(children under 14), with children under five free. Family tickets must be bought in advance from Wilburton Post Office or Jenny Wren Hairdressers, 10b Broadway. The cost is £12 (two adults plus up to four children). Parking for the event is free.

# CAMBRIDGE is set to enjoy one of the most breathtaking fireworks displays ever this year as the award-winning team behind the Queen's Golden Jubilee display take on one of the city's longest-standing traditions at Midsummer Common.

The Grand Arcade Fireworks display, organised by Cambridge City Council Arts & Entertainments, takes place on Saturday, November 4.

The fun begins at 6pm with a fun-fair, and the first rocket will be launched at 7.30pm followed by the lighting of the bonfire.

INFO: For more information, including facilities for disabled people, visit www.cambridge.gov.uk or call 01223 457555. For Park and Ride information call 01223 718167 and for other bus information call the Traveline 0870 608 2608.