Showground Puts The Fizz Back Into Bonfire Night 20th October 2010

Britain’s health and safety culture, its growing concern for the environment and more recently the recession, have all been blamed for a steady decline in November 5 fireworks sales over the last few years, as Halloween overtakes Bonfire Night in the popularity stakes.

Home displays have been gradually giving way to large, organized celebrations of Guy Fawkes’ failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1805, and ‘trick and treating’ – the modern-day take on the old Celtic and medieval festival of Halloween - is gathering speed in the UK.

The Malvern Showground is putting the fizz back into Guy Fawkes Night this year, with a Witches & Warlocks Fireworks Spectacular (Friday, 5 November) which embraces both the nostalgia and excitement of traditional Gunpowder Plot festivities, and the ghosts, ghouls and wizardry of Halloween.

Bonfire Night at Malvern takes on a Harry Potter theme to mark the release of the new film (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1) on October 19, and a bewitching repertoire of magical music will accompany the Showground’s now famous display of precision-choreographed fireworks.

Harry Potter fans buying tickets in advance can enter a competition to win a family ticket to see the film when it arrives in Worcester, by calling the Ticket Hotline on 01684 584924, and quoting ‘Harry Potter’.

This year’s event boasts specially decorated and themed art and craft areas, together with a children’s fancy dress competition, face painting, mix and mingle characters and a disco.

Aside from the fireworks and a huge bonfire, there is plenty of indoor entertainment, fun-fair rides, Harry Potter look-alikes and delicious refreshments.

Said Sharon Gilbert, Press & PR Manager for the Showground: “There has been lots of discussion in the press about Bonfire Night, and how Halloween – probably the fastest growing event in Britain – is now more popular.

Sales of November 5 fireworks may be declining, but large, organized displays like ours are growing, as safety legislation tightens, and home displays or even the smaller, organized events are deemed to carry greater risk. The two festivals are so close together in date that we decided to combine the two in one event and add a little ‘witchcraft’ to the usual pyrotechnic recipe!”

The Witches & Warlocks Firework Spectacular begins at 5.30pm with the fireworks at 7.30pm.

For tickets, call the Box Office on 01684 584924 or book online.

Adults: £6.50. Children: (5 – 15 years): £5.00. Family Ticket: £20.00 (2 adults and 2 children). Under 5s FREE.

Ample FREE parking.

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