Thousands of people are expected to turn out this Saturday for an annual fireworks display which will light up the skies above Bury St Edmunds’ Abbey Gardens.

The event has been organised by Bury St Edmunds Round Table and raises thousands of pounds which the organisation distributes to good causes.

Seven-year-old Francesca Freeman, of Guildhall Feoffment Community Primary School in Bury St Edmunds, has been chosen to press the button on the night alongside Mayor of St Edmundsbury Robert Everitt.

As well as the fireworks, there will be fairground rides, stalls and the town’s radio station, RWSfm 103.3, will have a spot at the event.

Event organiser Robin Cutler said: “We call it the fireworks spectacular – it is a spectacular display we put on and spend an awful lot of money on the fireworks and it brings everyone, the town together. The message we try to get across is this is a charitable event. A lot of people think it’s run by the council, but of course it isn’t.”

About 6,000 people normally turn out for the display, which is put on by Norfolk-based company Premiere Fireworks, and last year it raised about £7,000 for good causes.

Mr Cutler said: “It’s our main fundraiser for the year.” Gates open at 6pm with the fireworks starting at 7.30pm.

There is also a fireworks and Halloween extravaganza at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club tomorrow which is raising money for the club.

Gates open at 5.30pm with the fireworks at 7.30pm.