Big Night Out lives up to its name

THOUSANDS of people enjoyed one of the county's most popular fireworks extravaganzas last night.

Long Melford's Big Night Out was once again a massive success with vast crowds enjoying the displays, set to a £40,000 sound system, with a backdrop of an impressive bonfire, rides and stalls.

Organisers said they hoped to raise more than £20,000 for local good causes having already donated ten times that figure since the event's inception.

Andrew Hagger , event administrator for organisers Project Seven, said: “I think we have slowly built up a reputation and we have grown year-on-year. We believe the event is a great family night out where we provide traditional entertainment at a reasonable price.

“The messages of support we have received have been heart-warming as has the amount of people who have spent the last few weekends helping us prepare for the event.”

Last year's event was marred when the Hellraiser fairground ride came off its tracks, trapping two people inside.

But organisers ensured this year was a far greater success as an investigation into the crash continues.

After the bonfire was lit, the highlight of the evening was once again the firework display as crowd gazed upwards to see spectacular explosions above the historic grounds of Melford Hall.

The event, supported by the East Anglian Daily Times, regularly raises £20,000 every year for a number of local charities.