EXPLOSIONS of colour lit up the night sky at two major fireworks displays in Basingstoke.

Thousands of people attended two separate fireworks events on Saturday evening – Basingstoke’s Big Bang, at War Memorial Park, and the Hatch Warren Community Association’s display in Longcross Lane.

The town centre event, formerly the Mayor’s Firework Fiesta, underwent a major revamp this year by being held on the weekend before November 5, rather than the date itself, in a bid to attract more families. There was also the return of a bonfire, lit after the 25-minute firework display, while visitors could also enjoy the fairground rides and games.

About 4,600 people turned up to the ticketed event, while others decided to take in the view from beyond the perimeter fence.

Any proceeds raised will go to chosen charities of borough mayor Councillor Roger Gardiner – Basingstoke Young Carers, Basingstoke Dial-A-Ride and Basingstoke Charities, which runs almshouses in the town.

He said: “This year’s event certainly lived up to its new name – Basingstoke’s Big Bang.

“It was a wonderful evening, and the fireworks were fantastic. It was good to see the bonfire back, and it was lovely to see so many wide eyes and happy faces during the display.”

Grant Perks, from Lychpit, came to the display with his wife Cheryl and young daughters Megan and Lucy. The 38-year-old said: “It was really good. I think it’s really good value. We had a few goes on the games and won a prize on the duck competition.”

The Hatch Warren event, which raises money for the community centre in Longcross Lane, had a record crowd of 7,000 on Saturday night.

Stu Colman, chairman of the Hatch Warren Community Association, said: “It was absolutely brilliant. We had some new food stands this year serving chilli and a hog roast that were really popular, and our novelty flashing toys were a hit with children.”

Proceeds will go to the running of Hatch Warren Community Centre.