2010 Event

THE night sky above Oxford lit up as more than 20,000 spectators enjoyed £11,000 worth of fireworks. Crowds gasped and cheered as they were treated to 25 minutes of fireworks in South Park on Saturday night.

The show climaxed with the torching of a giant wicker man, designed by competition winner Reuben Morris-Dyer, 11, of Stanford in the Vale Primary School.

The sculpture burnt away to reveal a metal figure designed by Emily Dawson, 10, of Stockham Primary School, Wantage.

Reuben said: “It was a bit of a shame to see it burn but it has raised a lot money for charity.”

Dan Barton, who set up the wicker man project, said the structure had taken three months to create. He said: “We tried to take it from just and ordinary fireworks event to something a little bit special.”

He said: “It was a huge success, and much better than expected. I am absolutely buzzing.”

He said: “We did it to make the entertainment last more than the fireworks.”

Revellers enjoy fairground rides, food stalls, drink and music from competitors from Talent Oxford talent competition.

It was organised by Oxford Round Table and will raise about £30,000 for county charities.
 
by Ben Wilkinson
Oxford Mail 8th November 2010