IT went off with a Big Bang.

Up to 10,000 spectators were treated to a stunning, Big Bang-themed fireworks display that lit up the sky over Southampton on Saturday.

Bad weather didn’t put off a crowd of thousands attending the Daily Echo-backed fireworks extravaganza in Mayflower Park.

Organised for the sixth time by Southampton Round Table No 4, the event raised thousands of pounds for local good causes.

Even before the spectacular fireworks lit up the night sky, the crowds had been entertained by Charles Coles’ Fun Fair and a host of local musical acts, including Ward Thomas and Cord Electra on the Wave 105 FM stage.

Then it was time for the fireworks and with this year’s theme being the Big Bang, award-winning group Pyrotex Fireworks did not disappoint.

They fired hundreds of rockets from a barge on the water, with their arsenal turning the gloomy night sky into a patchwork of vibrant colour, accompanied by the odd loud bang or two.

Many in the audience of up to 10,000 people at the event described this year’s fireworks as the best yet, with the display accompanied by hundreds of “oohs” and “aahs”.

Organisers did not say how much had been raised at the showpiece event, but local organisations such as Radio Lollipop, the Warren Centre Scout groups and community projects are set to benefit from thousands of pounds of funding.

Chris Tahmasaby, from Southampton Round Table, said: “It was extremely good, and the feedback we’ve had has been exceptionally good, with people saying the display was fantastic.

“Everyone who came to the event can be pleased in knowing their money is going to good causes. It was a big group effort, and we want to say thanks to a lot of people, but especially to the ten to 15 people at the Round Table who made it happen.