Shoreham beach firework display '˜fantastic' despite foul weather

The free community event on Shoreham beach went ahead as planned on Saturday, November 12.

Jonathan Marshall, organiser at the Shoreham Bonfire Society, said he was ‘really pleased’ at the turnout, although it was lower than last year’s event.

“It was a foul day, a horrible morning and it was pouring,” he said, adding that the strong wind was a particular risk because of the fireworks.

“But we went ahead and it was a beautiful evening, with a huge moon and a clear sky,” he said. “There was a fantastic display which lit the whole sky.”

There had been some alarm earlier in the day when the group believed that the 70 barriers they had borrowed from the council to put around the bonfire for safety reasons had been stolen.

However, they soon discovered the council had in fact taken them back to use for Armistice Day.

The issue was resolved and the barriers were installed as planned around the bonfire, which was piled with pallets and timber brought by local companies.

The night’s events started with a procession led by the Beach Bateria Samba band. Heading the group was seven-year-old Theo Mellors, the winner of an online competition to find a child to lead the procession and start the firework countdown.

Mr Marshall said Theo had ‘loved it’ and was joined by several members of his family.

The firework display started at 7.15pm and, according to bonfire society member Stuart Lanham, feedback from attendees on social media was extremely positive, with some claiming the fireworks were better than those at many ticketed events.

People also enjoyed food from stalls and a performance by the Shoreham Allstars, a young musician group.

Children had their faces painted and were entertained by games and rides.

A proportion of the money collected in buckets on the night, which goes towards paying for the displays, will go to the children’s hospice Chestnut Tree House.

Mr Marshall said he would like to thank all the volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts.

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