THINGS are going to get spooky this year for Ledbury’s Charity Fireworks Bonanza, with a competition for the best Halloween outfit.

This is because the huge bonfire this time round will light the skies above Hazle Meadows on Saturday November 2, which falls nicely between the traditional date for Halloween, October 31, and the date that commemorates “gunpowder, treason and plot”, November 5.

One of the biggest events on the town’s annual calendar is now fast becoming a well-established local tradition.

This will be the fourth Ledbury Fireworks Bonanza to take place, for an event off the Ross Road that regularly attracts crowds of around 5,000 strong.

Organiser James Pugh has gone on record to say he wants the bonfire to be “the single largest one-day event“ on Ledbury’s annual calendar, overtaking even the carnival when it comes down to crowd numbers.

But just as the carnival marks the end of summer and autumn’s beginning, the firework’s bonanza is a different seasonal reminder: one that autumn is coming to a finale.

The aim is always to provide an evening out that people will enjoy and remember.

Attractions on November 2 will include two big firework displays, live music, including the popular local band, Frontrunner, hot food, a bar, and rides with Rogers’ fun fair.

Sponsors include H J Pugh and Co, Marstons, Ledbury Rotary, whose members assist with the parking, and Westons.

The gates to Hazle Meadows will open at 4pm on the day, and the bonfire will be lit at 6pm.

The first firework display will be at 6.30pm and the second will be at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from the H J Pugh office, LDA Meats and Cameron and Swan and the Number One Sandwich Shop.