Christchurch Park was lit up with fireworks last night as families from all over Suffolk gathered for the welcome return of the annual display.

East Anglian Daily Times: Zane and Sara out enjoying the eventZane and Sara out enjoying the event (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The Ipswich fireworks display has been organised by volunteers from the 11th Ipswich Scout group for the past 50 years, although the 2020 event had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

East Anglian Daily Times: The dazzling display returned after a year away due to the pandemicThe dazzling display returned after a year away due to the pandemic (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The display costs around £20,000 - a far cry from the £100 spent on the very first event in November 1972.

East Anglian Daily Times: People enjoying the fireworks at Christchurch Park's 50th displayPeople enjoying the fireworks at Christchurch Park's 50th display (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Other entertainment at the park on Saturday night included a bonfire, a fairground, catering and bars and three live music stages.

East Anglian Daily Times: As well as music performances there was plenty to see on the ground tooAs well as music performances there was plenty to see on the ground too (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Performances were given by The Sheringham Shantymen, Funky Voices, Adam Thomas and Chelsea Francis.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Warne family got their ticketsThe Warne family got their tickets (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The gates opened at 6pm for the display to begin at 8pm. Music and fair attractions continued until 10pm.

East Anglian Daily Times: The firework show in Christchurch Park is an annual eventThe firework show in Christchurch Park is an annual event (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Organisers thanked all who came and all the volunteers who helped the event run smoothly - and said they'd be back next year.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ablitt family ready to see the firework displayAblitt family ready to see the firework display (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

East Anglian Daily Times: Lights and glowstick fun was had by Suffolk youngstersLights and glowstick fun was had by Suffolk youngsters (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

East Anglian Daily Times: It was a chilly night but families wrapped up warm to enjoy the fireworksIt was a chilly night but families wrapped up warm to enjoy the fireworks (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Harman family were among those having fun at the eventThe Harman family were among those having fun at the event (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

East Anglian Daily Times: Fairground rides and performers were at the eventFairground rides and performers were at the event (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

East Anglian Daily Times: Mr Rainbow brightened up the evening even moreMr Rainbow brightened up the evening even more (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)