MORE than 100 years of history came to a glittering climax as the Dinton Bonfire Boys lit their final fuses on Saturday.
The event, held at Philipps House, was attended by more than 2,5000 people, many of whom had been coming to the annual fundraising fireworks display for decades.
The display was raising money for Help for Heroes and in tribute the charity’s logo was emblazoned in fireworks across the sky.
There was also a flying witch, a tank battle and a number of static displays in addition to the traditional bangers and rockets that lit up the park.
True to their name the Bonfire Boys built a huge inferno – not letting the fact that many of them are now in their 80s stand in their way.
But the tradition, which dates back to 1890 as a way of bringing the community together and to raise money for local charities, has now come to an end.
The hard work involved with putting on the show and the age of committee members has led them to decide to pack up their matches.
“This was a great way to go out – everything went smoothly,” said organiser Michael Glover.
“It is sad but it has been an awful lot of hard work.
“The weather was beautiful, the crowd was great and we were able to give people a fantastic show to remember us by.”
At Salisbury Livestock Market the Rotary’s Spireworks event also went with a bang.
Before the rockets went off, music and a huge bonfire warmed up the crowd with local singer/song writer David Waddington first to perform on stage.
He was followed by the girl band Girls Can’t Catch who have toured with Girls Aloud and are soon to support the Jonas Brothers in their nationwide tour.
One of the members of the group, which has had a top 30 success and has a new record out in January, is Jess Stickley, 18, from Ringwood who had her friends and family in the audience.
With the bonfire blazing and more music courtesy of Spire FM the countdown to the fireworks began.
Set to the music of Queen the 20 minute display wowed the crowds and raised funds for Salisbury Distric Hospital’s Stars Appeal and other Rotary Club charities.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here