MORE then 1,000 spectators flocked to this year’s Milland bonfire and fireworks event which was held on the recreation ground.

Any thoughts that Guy Fawkes, who famously tried to blow up Parliament, would be upstaged by Storm Abigail, which had been brewing in the Atlantic overnight, were allayed as the strong wind and rain that soaked the south on Saturday blew over before the start of the event.

So despite wet and windy conditions earlier in the day, revellers enjoyed the longest, most spectacular fireworks display seen in Milland in living memory.

John Collier, one of the organising committee, said: “After the positive feedback we received following last year’s fireworks display we were determined to go one better this year, so we increased our budget to allow for both more and bigger fireworks to entertain the crowd.”

The display had been planned and designed by Aurora Fireworks, who also trained the fireworks team and advised on all necessary safety measures.

Before the display, the crowd were entertained by the best guy competition for children in the Village Hall, judged by parish council clerk, Lorraine Grocott, who declared the overall winners to be Sofia and Francesca Bracci.

A number of village-based groups used bonfire night as an opportunity to raise funds. The Sports Club ran the bar and sold mulled wine, the Village Hall team sold homemade soup and hot chocolate as well as organising a raffle.

Hollycombe School sold an array of sweets, homemade cakes and glow-sticks and Milland Stores was selling hot dogs and coffee as well as all their usual range of products.

By the end of the evening virtually everybody had sold out of stock, raising money to the benefit of the village as a whole.

Organised by the bonfire and fireworks committee on behalf of the parish council the event, which is renowned for its family friendly atmosphere, has been an annual fixture in the Milland calendar for more than 50 years attracting people from far and wide.

All profits will be distributed to Milland-based charities, voluntary organisations and good causes.

In the past these have included the village halls, sports club, Hollycombe School, the Community Shop and the children’s play area on the recreation ground.