THE skies across Monmouthshire were filled with noise and colour as the county celebrated bonfire night on Sunday 5th November.

Monmouth’s annual firework display went off with an exceptional bang as nearly 900 people saw the £3,000 firework display.

Organised by the town’s rotary club, the weather stayed dry, despite a sharp shower at tea-time.

There wasn’t just fireworks to enjoy as burgers, sweets and a fairground ride for the kids helped to entertain the eager crowd.

At 6.30pm, they watched as the mayor, Councillor Felicity Cotton, helped by rotary president Sandra Davey, set fire to a large bonfire of pallets which soon sent flames licking around the rising moon.

Once the crowd had moved back from the roaring fire, it wasn’t long before the sky was lit up to a standard not seen in the average back garden.

The display could be seen for miles around and it was not only the fire that turned out to be a roaring success.

The rotary club was very grateful for the magnificent support received on the night from all those who paid to watch.

In the rotary year ending 30th June 2016, the Monmouth Club raised or facilitated the raising of over £77,000 for local national and international charities.

There was extra reason for celebration in Devauden as the village held its 50th annual bonfire night.

The evening went off with plenty of bangs and 1,400 spectators were thrilled with with a spectacular anniversary firework display.

The crowd were entertained by local groups ‘Crystal Balloon’ and Beatles tribute band ‘The Beatles Go On’.

The entry was free by donation again with the proceeds going to local charities.

Chairman of The Hood Memorial Hall John Rowlands said: “It was an extremely successful event.

I would like to thank the many people who gave up their time to help prepare the event, cook all the food, and marshal the parking, roads and grounds.

“Also local farmer Dave Maddocks, who was again in charge of setting off the fireworks.”

In Caldicot, more than 6,900 people packed out the castle to attended the annual fireworks spectacular.

Organised by Monmouthshire County Council, community groups, Visit Monmouthshire and radio station Capital FM, the event at the picturesque castle and its grounds was a massive success. 

A team of 16 local volunteers with volunteers from council staff helped to ensure an enjoyable night.

The display featured fun for all the family, including a fairground, music provided by Capital FM and fire-eaters.

In Chepstow, the free fireworks held by the Chepstow Round Table was a great success.

A capacity crowd of around 3,000 people attended and more than £5,000 collected on the night.

The children’s and main displays lit up the night sky with feedback after the event suggesting that it was the best display many had seen in Chepstow for years.

In addition to the fireworks the crowds were kept entertained by live music from the, Kre8tive Theatre Kidz, Cacie Axon, Jess Dobson and the headline act The Brothers Blue a Blues Brothers tribute act.

Chepstow Round Table chairman, Kevin Jordan, said: “This was another fantastic event this year.

“Thanks to the support of the people of Chepstow we have raised thousands of pounds to go to good causes in the area.

“The evening would not have been possible without the continuing support of our sponsors, the Town Council, Bethany Care Home, Hicks Logistics, Moon and Co, Chepstow Plant International, Chepstow Contract Rentals, Ricoh, County Marquees Welsh Sea Fishin Baits and Keltruck.

“Our thanks as always must also go to the school and leisure centre for their continued support.

“The Round Table members give their time freely to organise this and other events to raise money for good causes and have some fun along the way.

“Whether they are working on arranging the professional fireworks, organising food or letting people know it is happening this event would not happen without their unstinting support. We are always looking for new members so if anyone fancies coming along then just get in touch.”