York blasts back with impressive display (From York Press)

York blasts back with impressive display

9:12am Thursday 6th November 2008 in Search By Press reporter

BONFIRE Night celebrations returned to York with a bang last night as thousands of revellers gathered to watch a spectacular fireworks display.

More than 2,500 people descended on York Maze for the city’s only public display of fireworks. The impressive show laid to rest the international embarrassment that York suffered last year after the city failed to stage a public show in what is the hometown of Guy Fawkes.

Crowds marvelled at the giant 25ft high bonfire and enjoyed entertainment from fire eaters and jugglers.

The 15-minute firework display, which was choreographed to a pre-recorded soundtrack, was started by Rick Witter, the lead singer of Shed Seven.

Tom Pearcy, owner of York Maze, near Elvington, said: “It was fantastic. The bonfire must have been about the size of a house and everybody loved the fireworks. The kids really enjoyed the jumping pillow, which is a huge bouncy castle, and we had about six different food outlets, selling everything from hot dogs to toffee apples and curry. We’re delighted with how this first year has gone.”