Bonfires and firework displays across the Midlands

Preparations are under way to ensure bonfires and firework displays in the region put a sparkle into seasonal celebrations.

Tens of thousands are expected to flock to events being staged at parks and playing fields across the region, with organisers promising their events will go with a bang.

Huge sums are being spent by local councils on celebrations for Bonfire Night so that revellers have fun.

Around £20,000 worth of fireworks will be set off at Himley Hall and Park, near Dudley, tomorrow. In Wolverhampton, more than 30,000 are expected to attend two displays being held in the town.

The first will be at Hickman Park, in Wolverhampton Street, Bilston, tonight.

This year's event will mark the 100th anniversary of the park and the search is on to find a pensioner born in the year the park opened.

People are being asked to nominate anyone they know born in 1911 to have the honour of lighting the bonfire. People can call 01902 552099 to make a nomination.

The display will start at 8.30pm with admission at £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.

On the Shropshire and Staffordshire border, there will be a huge celebration at Weston Park, where one of the region's biggest and best bonfire and firework celebrations will be accompanied by entertainment for all the family.

Venue marketing boss Andrea Webster said: "There will be two amazing firework displays, a giant bonfire, fun fair and food stalls.

"The gates will open at 3pm on Sunday and there will be a bonfire from 5pm. The fireworks displays will be at 6pm and 7.30pm and admission is £16 per car."

A Victorian-style fireworks extravaganza is planned at Blists Hill, in Ironbridge, tomorrow and there will also be a fireworks display at Wellington Cricket Club tomorrow from 5.30pm and a bonfire at Donnington, near Telford, on November 12 from 6pm.

Wolverhampton's main event will be at West Park, Park Road East and Park Road West, tomorrow night. Gates open at 6pm with the display starting at 8.30pm.

Around £12,000 has been spent on fireworks and £4,000 to create the bonfire.

Events will also be held at the King George V Playing fields , in Bloxwich, on October 29, and in Holland Park, Brownhills, also tomorrow and Willenhall Memorial Park on November 12.

Fireworks start at 8pm for all the events and admission is £3 for adults, £1 for children, free for under-fives.

Senior parks ranger for Walsall Council Malcolm Morris said: "We are expecting thousands to attend."

A bonfire and fireworks display takes place at Dartmouth Park, in Lloyd Street, West Bromwich, tomorrow too. The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and there will be a mini firework display at 7pm before the main event at 7.45pm.

Lichfield Rugby Football Union is hosting a bonfire night celebration tonight. The club, in Tamworth Road, will open the gates at 6.30pm, with the bonfire being started at 7pm and firework displays at 7.30pm and 8.15pm. Entrance is £5 for adults and £3 for under-16s and pensioners.

Andy Richardson