The 41st annual Wistaston Fireworks Display

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The 41st annual Wistaston Fireworks Display took place on Saturday 3rd November 2018 at the Eric Swan Sports Ground off Church Lane (behind Wistaston Church Lane Academy) in Wistaston.

It began with a parade - led by bagpiper Reg Flower and drummer Rob Richardson - from the Park Drive/Westfield Drive junction to the Eric Swan Sports Ground. The parade was supported by Dutton Contractors and Pochin Construction.

The judging of the children’s best pumpkin and best fancy dress competitions then took place and were followed by the fireworks display.

The results of the children's best fancy dress competition, judged by Dane Chaplow and RedShift Radio presenter Kelly-Ann Davies, were:

1st prize – Logan Siddall as a ‘Headless man’.

2nd prize – Poppy Tomkinson as a ‘Catherine wheel’.

3rd prize – Esme John as a ‘Zombie bride’.

Fancy dress costumes also included a pirate, cowgirl, unicorn, Honey Monster and a pumpkin.

The results of the children's best pumpkin competition, judged by and Eileen Bamber and Gwyneth Brown, were:

1st prize – Noah John who designed a wolf pumpkin.

2nd prize – Felicity Rolands with her pumpkin in a pram.

3rd prize – Annabel Johnston with her hedgehog design.

It was a double celebration for the John household as twins Esme and Noah, who are pupils at Wistaston Church Lane Academy, won prizes in both competitions.

Locally-based online community radio station RedShift Radio - https://www.redshiftonline.org/ - for the ninth year running generously provided, setup and staffed the PA system before the fireworks and played music during the display.

Professional fireworks display specialist Gekostar Fireworks - http://www.gekostarfireworks.co.uk/ - setup and operated the twelve minute fireworks display.

The 35th South West Cheshire, Wistaston Scout Group served hot and cold drinks and food, Coffee On Wheels served hot and cold drinks, Wistaston Community Council served candyfloss, and Glow’s North West sold children's flashing novelties.

Entry was by donation and several hundred people attended the event.

The event was organised by the Wistaston Community Council and supported by Wistaston Parish Council.

Dane Chaplow, Wistaston Community Council, said, "The whole Wistaston Community Council parade and fireworks display was spectacular – a fantastic evening. I would like to thank everyone from the Community Council and to myriad others who came to help and make it our most successful street parade and fireworks event to date – we could not do it without you. My thanks also to go Wistaston Sports and Leisure for the use of the Brittles Sports ground, Gekostar Fireworks for the fabulous fireworks display, RedShift Radio for providing the sound and commentary and Kelly-Ann Davies, our wicked witch. Finally, to the community of Wistaston who came in their many hundreds to watch.”

The Wistaston Community Council 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/ or search Wistaston Community Council on Facebook for further information.