LAKE BRYNDWR FIREWORKS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27190, 6 November 1953, Page 8

LAKE BRYNDWR FIREWORKS

DISPLAY BY PUBLIC LASTS TWO HOURS

Rockets, star shells, volcanoes. Roman candles, and dozens of other fireworks were brilliantly reflected in Lake Bryndwr last evening- in a display which showed the effectiveness of co-operation. Several thousand visitors brought their own collections and supplementary supplies were available on the grounds so that for more than two hours there was seldom a dull moment. The climax of the evening was a huge bonfire. It was lit by a long trail of gunpowder which burned brightly and threw a huge pall of yellow smoke over the lake. This was quickly»illuminated as the fire caught. Flames went up for almost 50 feet and quickly engulfed the hero of the occasion—an effigy of Guy Fawkes. With the fire at its height, it was possible to read by its fight almost 200 yards away. The cold wind' and interihittent drizzle yesterday gave every reason for postponement but a big audience accepted the promoters assurance of a display “wet or fine” and the weather cleared for' most of the evening. . At the outset there was a threat of chaos. Many youngsters let of crackers and bombs indiscriminately among the crowd, frightening and sometimes burning adults and terrifying children. In the first half-hour rockets and other fireworks were being set of anywhere and in any direction, causing further disruption in the darkness. However, the crackers and bombs were soon exhausted. People began to see that their rockets and other novelties could be better appreciated on the shores of the lake, and there was soon a colourful display over the water. The bonfire burned for more than half an hour before it begari to collapse, the brushwood kindling being heavily lined with long slab. wood.

There was some festoon lighting and a loudspeaker system relayed a bright music programme. Competitions and dancing were listed fop late in the evening.