GALLERY: Wolverhampton and Himley Hall fireworks light up Black Country skies
Black Country skies were filled with fireworks last night as two of the region's biggest displays took place.
Thousands of people turned out for this year's firework display at Wolverhampton Racecourse despite the drizzle.
As well as the fireworks, there was a funfair, food stalls, bar, music and entertainment at what was the fifth Wolverhampton Bonfire Night on Saturday.
Disney music was played alongside the first fireworks display targeted at youngsters at 6.30pm ahead of the main larger display at 8.30pm.
Meanwhile there were performances from local Britain's Got Talent favourite Donchez Dacres and former X Factor contestant Sam Callahan.
David Roberts, managing director of the racecourse, said 5,000 tickets were sold prior to the event which is run by Wolverhampton Council.
That is double last year's advance sales but Mr Roberts was expecting fewer total visitors due to the poor weather forecast.
He added: “The weather has an affect on ticket sales, so I’m not expecting our biggest crowds.
“It’s the best fireworks display by a long way in this area.
“We’ve got a lot of space under cover where people can have a rest too."
Natalie Mason was at the display with her two-year-old daughter Thea.
The 30-year-old from Tettenhall,said: “It’s the first time we’ve been and it’s really good.
“Thea loved the fireworks, it was nice because they played Disney music at the same time.”
Tammy Harris from Wolverhampton, who was watching her 10-year-old son Billy-Dean on the bumper cars, said: “I think it’s brilliant. The fireworks were brilliant, absolutely amazing."
Himley Hall display
Meanwhile more than 20,000 people flocked to the bonfire at Himley Hall, which is run by Dudley Council and is traditionally one of the biggest firework displays in the Midlands.
This year's bonfire had a ‘moon landings’ theme and saw the historic hall lit up by fireworks at 8.30pm, while there were also fun fair rides, food stalls and entertainers.
As usual there were major traffic delays on Dudley Road and the A449, while people reported having to wait 45 minutes to get out of the car park as vehicles struggled in the mud. There were similar delays leaving the racecourse car park.
However many people took advantage of the council's free shuttle buses to areas across the borough.
Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: "The bonfire and fireworks show is always a great occasion but this year’s celebrations were out of this world.
"It was great to see Himley Hall and park packed with so many people."
As well as marking 50 years since the moon landings, there were also references to other events of the '60s such as the release of Abbey Road, Concorde's first test flight, Boeing's 747 jumbo jet debut and Woodstock.
Councillor David Stanley, Mayor of Dudley, added: "Himley Hall is a venue steeped in history and this is just one of the fantastic events we hold there.
"We’re lucky to have such a historic hall and parkland which welcomes thousands of people every year.”
