More than 13,000 visited Dunorlan Park on Saturday [November 6], the highest number of people to turn up to watch the display in its 64-year history.
The annual fireworks event, which is organised by Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table to coincide with Guy Fawkes Day, has been running since 1957 but last year, due to the pandemic, it had to be cancelled for the first time in its history. It came after the 2019 display was plagued by bad weather.
The skies remained mostly clear at the weekend, and people were treated to hundreds of rockets, Catherine wheels, and other fireworks at the display that takes place in the natural amphitheatre of the park where the fireworks reflect off the lake.
The Rock Choir welcomed visitors to the park and there were numerous catering options as well as the Tunbridge Wells Rugby club running the bar to quench any thirst.
The Round Table were ably supported by member of Pantiles Rotary, local scout groups and girls from Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School.
Organisers say not only did the event raise around £40,000 for local charities, which will be distributed in the new year at their annual giveaway, Hospice in the Weald also raised over £2,500 in a bucket collection after the display.
Head of the fireworks committee, Simon Addis said: “It was great to welcome back the people of Tunbridge Wells to the Dunorlan Park fireworks.
“People came in their droves which was fantastic to see after a break last year due to Covid. We have had wonderful feedback already that the display was one of the best yet.
“Best of all, we have raised thousands of pounds for local charities that are in great need of funds as we come out of the pandemic. Thank you to everyone that attended for your generosity.”
He added that the Round table, which is an organisation of local men aged 18-45, wanted to thank sponsors, Buss Murton Law, GDS Surveyors, Berkeley Homes and media partner the Times of Tunbridge Wells.
The group’s next event will be their Santa Sleigh in early December for Nourish Community Foodbank, and the fireworks will return next year on November 5.
