THOUSANDS of people attended the fireworks display at Colden Common Park on Saturday – a new record turnout.

The event, which is in its fifth year, is run and organised by volunteers from the local 9th Winchester Scout group.

As well as the fireworks display, a bonfire throwing flames nearly 30 metres in the air lit the field.

Steve Cox, one of the event organisers, said: “We are really pleased with how the event went.

"We had an excellent turnout. We wish to thank all the volunteers and residents of Colden Common for their amazing support.”

Children enjoyed glow sticks and bracelets, while staff provided everyone with hot dogs and burgers at a stall outside the park pavilion.

A countdown was commenced over the lighting of the fire and woops and cheers were heard from the crowd when the makeshift ‘Guy Fawkes’ – made by the local Brownie group - fell from the top of the structure and landed in the flames.

The event was sponsored by Charters Estate Agents and the Taylor Wimpey Building Company.

The reason behind such a high attendance this year is thought to be due to excellent weather conditions, a growing reputation, and the fact that the event was actually held on November the 5th – a change to previous years.

The sales of tickets, which cost £5 per adult and £1 per child, were so high that the stubs had to be reused in order to compensate for the rise in numbers.

All the money made is used to fund the purchase of new scout tents and camping equipment, while a portion will be put towards ensuring that there is an even better display next year.

Advanced ticket sales were also much higher than previous years.