THE number of people attending this year’s fireworks display and funfair in Bordon was up compared to 12 months ago.

The event, held at Country Market in Kingsley last Wednesday, is organised by the Whitehill & Bordon Town Partnership.

Commenting on the increased attendance, the organisers said that the early children’s display had proved particularly popular.

The partnership’s Curtis Bone said the night was a success.

“Working with the Deadwater Valley Trust, we also had, for the first time, a lantern parade,” he said.

“These lanterns had been made by local children at a workshop, set up by the Deadwater Valley Trust, before the event. It is something that we hope to grow for next year.

“The event continues to grow and this year was no exception. With our medical team, security guards, parking marshals and safety marshals, more than 50 people helped to set up, run and clear up the site.

“We also had two free bus services running, which again had good numbers using them and is something we will look to expand next year.

“This year we also had more commercial sponsors which helped us to keep down costs. I would like to thank them for their support and look forward to working with them again. The sponsors are: Country Market, Tesco, EweMove (Bordon), Radian Homes, the Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company, LMC Vehicle Hire (Bordon) and Lindford Parish Council.

“I would also like to thank the Woolmer Lions for a great job on our parking as ever,” Mr Bone said.

“As with every event, there were issues to be addressed during the evening.

“Between our security and medical team, they all got sorted quickly and without members of the public even being aware.”

And, already, the partnership has pencilled next year’s event into its calendar - the 2018 fireworks display will be on Wednesday, November 7.