TONIGHT’S the night for the biggest firework celebration in the city.

Tonight thousands of people will descend on Southampton waterfront for the Daily Echobacked firework extravaganza which will paint the sky with colour for Guy Fawkes Night celebrations.

Organisers last night urged crowds to buy their tickets now to avoid disappointment on the night.

The spectacular family fireworks will be launched from a barge on the water for the magical display organised by the Southampton Round Table No 4 club.

All the cash raised from the event will go straight back into local charities.

One of the organisers Steve Badger, who runs the company behind the event Komodo Fireworks, said this year is set to be the best yet with street dancers and fire breathers to entertain the crowds.

He said: “I have been told today by the guys that design the show that the show is better than last year. We are expecting a bumper crowd.”

This year’s show will have a strong family theme with an entire section dedicated to children, which will include everything from cat faces, snails, smiley faces and bow ties. The finale will be themed around a breathtaking Spanish fiesta.

The festivities begin at 3pm when families can enjoy all the fun of the fair as Coles’ arrives to kick-start the event with its amusement rides before the fireworks start at 7.15pm.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children and are available from the Daily Echo office in Hanover Buildings, Southampton; Komodo Fireworks at 5 Market Buildings in Swaythling, the Tourist Information office in the Civic Centre or by ringing 0844 225 2669. A limited number of tickets will be available on the gate but it is advisable to buy them beforehand.