The nights of the 5th, and in fact the 6th, 7th and 8th of November were filled with the annual cacophony of noise and rainbow of colours. Yes, it was fireworks night once again. Dogs were locked away in sheds and children gazed up in amazement as Catherine Wheels and Rockets exploded before their eyes.

A few had private displays in their gardens. The DIY approach suited several people believing they were natural, undiscovered firework choreographers but for many, a ticket to the local display was the arrangement for Saturday night. Becoming almost synonymous with the ’closest Saturday to Guy Fawkes night,’ the Church Lane firework display and bonfire in Merton Park was where my friends and I decided to enjoy the loud bangs and bright colours for this year.

Luckily, having pre-booked tickets, we were able to enter the venue while others hopelessly queued outside for the sell-out; although still being able to catch glimpses of the fireworks from outside in what can only be referred to by its classic economic market failure label: ‘the free-rider problem.’ Free-riders aside though, firework goers lucky enough to have tickets were treated to much more than fireworks once inside the Church Lane field. As well as the ritual burning of the effigy, there were a multitude of glow sticks and toffee apples for sale and most of all: a constant stream if 80s pop music blaring out of the speakers.

Onto the main event: the fireworks. The usual impressive show filled the night sky with rainbows of light. Fireworks going off simultaneously and exploding in perfect synchronicity got many ‘Oohs’ and ‘Aahs’ from the crowd and a constant propulsion of rockets did just about enough to drown out the well-received classics that the speakers had to offer.

All-in-all though, the Church Lane display was once again enjoyed by everyone (dogs aside) as I am sure it will be again next year.

By Community Correspondent Richard Clifton