Wistaston Fireworks Display.

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The 37th annual Wistaston Fireworks Display took place on Saturday 1st November 2014. The event began with the judging of the children’s best pumpkin and best fancy dress competitions at the Park Drive/Church Lane junction, after which the procession (led by bagpiper Reg Flower) proceeded to the Eric Swan Sports Ground off Church Lane (behind Church Lane School, Wistaston) for the fireworks display. Entry was by donation. An estimated one thousand people attended the event.

The results of the children’s best pumpkin competition, judged Eileen Bamber (Wistonian of the Year) were:

- 1st Prize - Jacob Edwards

- 2nd Prize - Lewis Rossiter

- 3rd Prize - James & Zoe Knox

There were over 20 entries. It is the sixth year running that the Rossiter family have won a competition prize.

The results of the children’s best fancy dress competition, also judged by Eileen Bamber were:

- 1st prize - Ben Michael

- 2nd prize - Emily Hulme

- 3rd prize - Fabio Cura     

There were over 25 entrants.

Crewe-based online community radio station RedShift Radio - http://www.redshiftradio.co.uk/ - for the fifth year running provided, setup and staffed the PA system before the fireworks and played the music during the display. Liz Southall (aka ‘Bizzy Lizzy’) and Charlotte Lotte from RedShift Radio got the crowd warmed up before the display. Redshift Radio’s appearance was kindly sponsored by Helen Gould who is Managing Director of PA4You Ltd - http://www.pa4you.co.uk/ .

Professional fireworks display specialist Comet Fireworks - http://www.cometfireworks.co.uk/  -  once again setup the fireworks display. The fireworks used during the 15 minute display took 12 hours to setup and included shells, cakes, mines and Roman candles.  The grand finale this year, was a firework spectacular to the song “Let It Go” from the Disney movie, Frozen.

The 35th South West Cheshire, Wistaston Scout Group - http://www.wistastonscoutgroup.org.uk  - served hot and cold drinks and food during the event, whilst Wistaston Community Council members sold candyfloss and ‘Stevo's Glows’ sold children's flashing novelties.

The event was organised by the Wistaston Community Council and jointly funded by the Wistaston Community Council, the Wistaston Parish Council and PA4You Ltd.

Dane Chaplow Chairman from the Wistaston Community Council said, "The children's competitions were very well supported. The large procession went like a charm and very few motorists were held up. They arrived at the Eric Swan Sports Ground on time, where the Scouts were already serving hotdogs, hamburgers, soup, coffee and tea to the large crowd. RedShift Radio once again provided excellent music and Comet Fireworks provided a fantastic display. It was a best ever turnout, and a perfect evening for a firework spectacular. We thank our supporters and volunteers for their help and the public for supporting us so well at this annual event".

The Wistaston Community Council desperately requires new members to help organise next year’s Fireworks Display, as well as other Wistaston-based events such as the Summer Fete, Flower and Produce Show and the Christmas concerts. Please visit http://www.wistastoncommunity.co.uk  for further information if you would like to join.