Nearly three thousand people flocked to Kirkley Hall in Northumberland to watch a stunning bonfire and fireworks display with a difference.
The crowd revelled in the party atmosphere created by an assortment of games, fair rides and a disco on the lawn.
But the star of the show was the quiet fireworks extravaganza that lit up the night’s sky but without the traditional BANGS…a first for the region!
Keir Waugh, Events and Operations Manager at Kirkley Hall, said: “We were proud to see so many people embracing our bonfire night event and coming out in their droves. The display sold out in record time so we knew Kirkley Hall would be buzzing.
“The intention was for Kirkley Hall to be seen as a trailblazer for the concept behind the quiet bonfire and fireworks display and the feedback that we received before and after the event has been extremely positive.
“People have said it was refreshing to have an event that took into consideration so many different members of the local community from young people to the elderly, and the response has been warming from parents whose children have Autism.
“The success can also be gauged by how far the audience were willing to travel. We had visitors from as far afield as Darlington, Yarm and Middlesbrough coming along for the fun and fireworks. Our zoo animals also reaped the benefits of the reduced noise. With an event of this size we will gather up all of the comments to ensure 2019 is better than ever before.”
Views from social media:
Jackie, said: “I brought my mam & 2 grandsons to the fireworks [yesterday] & we all had a lovely time. My grandson that is nearly 8 said it was the best…we will be back next year.”
Chris, said: “[Maybe make it an exclusive event] as a dad of an Autistic child my daughter really enjoyed tonight making our day easier and more pleasurable and never enough of these events for us.”
The Quiet Bonfire and Fireworks Display kicked off Kirkley Hall’s autumn and winter season that will be followed by the annual Christmas Fair on 17 and 18 November. The fun, family friendly, festive feature will include music and games, a Steampunk Market, storytelling, stalls and much, much more.
