Thousands enjoy ‘the greatest show’ at Tamworth’s free fireworks

Thousands of people packed into Tamworth Castle Grounds for the 10th annual free fireworks extravaganza with many people hailing it the best event to date.

Estimated crowds of more than 26,000 visited the town for Saturday’s spectacular, where they were treated to fire performers, fairground rides, walkabout characters, face painting, music played by Touch FM, food stalls and a surprise ‘Greatest Showman’ theme.

This year’s dazzling display was perfectly timed to music from the hit film, the Greatest Showman, with a stunning array of breath-taking pyrotechnics, even including some in the shape of smiley faces to the song lyrics ‘each one there to make you smile’.

Mayor of Tamworth, Cllr Peter Thurgood, was on hand to welcome audiences and introduce the display as it was launched into the skies above the Castle Grounds from the Touch FM stage. This year he was assisted by Dosthill Cub Scout, Scott Powers, who won the honour of accompanying the Mayor on stage to start the display after being crowned champion baker in this year’s Tamworth in Bloom Scouts and Cubs Bake Off competition.

The crowd-pleasing finale again resulted in rapturous applause from the audience and the event, organised by Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts and Events team, was hailed another resounding success.

Feedback has been amazing with hundreds of people filling out an online survey and taking to social media in their droves to praise the event, with many hailing it the best yet.

Claire Jukes said: “Excellent firework display and the best we have seen here. Roll on next year. Becca Dobson said: “A wonderful evening spent at the display at the Castle Grounds, the best year yet. Hayley Owen said: “We loved the fireworks. Thank you. The Greatest Showman was fab, me and my daughter loved it.”

Latasha Thomas said: “Had an amazing time at Tamworth fireworks. Loved The Greatest Showman theme,” Sharon Rose said: “Brilliant display. Well organised and considering the large crowds, which shows a great support, I felt safe. People were considerate and I’m proud to have lived and worked in Tamworth for a good few years.”

Clare Parslow said: “Fantastic!! A big thank you to all the organisers! So grateful that we are able to watch such great fireworks for free!” Gert Wileman added: “Fantastic night, great display, and all for free. Well done all concerned, thanks Tamworth town.”

The popular event attracts visitors from across the area and further afield, with some even travelling up from London to attend. It also continues to draw new visitors attending for the first time.

Sue Smart said: “We really enjoyed our first time at Tamworth fireworks. Thank you to the organisers for a fabulous family evening.”

This year’s fireworks display was held at the earlier time of 7pm, rather than 8pm, as voted by members of the public in an overwhelming response to an online poll, and the new time was well received by visitors.

Mark Stanton said: “Great display again and a lot more families with young children – earlier start worked well.”

The fireworks spectacular was celebrating its 10th anniversary year in the current format and has become of the busiest and most popular events in the town’s annual calendar of events.

Cllr John Chesworth, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Operational Services and Culture, said: “Providing a programme of high quality outdoor entertainment for families to enjoy free of charge is one of our priorities as a council and it’s great to see so many thousands of people taking advantage of the opportunity. It helps that our Arts and Events team put on such a great show and our thanks go to them for another well organised event.

“This is a real community event enjoyed by thousands of Tamworth residents, but it also helps to attract new visitors to the town, which is a great boost to the local economy, as hopefully some will return to explore the other businesses and attractions we have to offer.”

“It was also pleasing this year to see some of the local shops and businesses taking advantage of the extra footfall by opening later into the evening and I hope this worked well for them.

“Our next event is the Tamworth Christmas Lights Switch On which takes place in St Editha’s Square from 2pm on Sunday, November 25, with another packed line up of free entertainment for all the family.”

For more information about the Christmas Lights Switch On, and all the entertainment provided by Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts and Events team throughout the year, please visit www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk, where you can also sign up to the newsletter for all the latest news and early bird offers.