NOTTINGHAM is holding its main fireworks this evening but Bonfire Night celebrations started with a bang over the weekend.
About 4,000 people showed up for the Wilford village charity firework display on Saturday, despite there being no bonfire this year.
A hog roast, a children's fantasy fireworks show, a real ale marquee and a live band ensured the celebrations at Nottingham Moderns Rugby Ground, in Main Road, went off well.
Organiser Roger Steel, of Trent Bridge Rotary Club, said: "The weather held, which was wonderful, and we had a lot of help from the tram contractors to ensure everyone could travel there in the usual way, so that worked very well. We had a big crowd and it made for a great family atmosphere."
Among the crowd was Andrew Eastgate, of Roland Avenue, Wilford. He said: "It was a great family fireworks events with an amazing display."
Ian Lavelle, of Maplestead Avenue, Wilford, said: "Once again there's been some great fireworks – a very enjoyable event."
The event raises money for the Rotary Club.
"Oohs" and "ahs" to rival those in Wilford came from a bonfire held by Clifton All Whites Football Club, at the Norman Archer Memorial Ground, in Green Lane, Clifton.
As well as a bonfire, there was a fireworks display, hot drinks and refreshments.
Brother and sister Kevin and Wendy Sheldon, 48, both of Havenwood Rise, Clifton, made a Guy Fawkes to put on the bonfire.
"It was brilliant," said Mr Sheldon, 52. "Everyone was well behaved and everyone enjoyed themselves.
"I can't thank Clifton Football Club enough for all the work they put into preparing it. It was a really great night."
Amy Hind, 28, of Boxley Drive, West Bridgford, went along to support the All Whites.
"It was an amazing night, as ever," she said. "It has become an unmissable tradition for family and friends.
"What makes it so special is that even though All Whites would be a worthy enough cause, the night is all about giving the local community an event that everyone can enjoy and afford."
All money raised will go towards new floodlights for the club.
Nottingham Castle held its annual fire walk and fireworks spectacular on Saturday.
The landlady of the Bank Inn pub, in Netherfield, organised a coach for 65 people to attend.
Nicola Murphy and six of her staff – Karen Parker, 38, Helen Troon, 43, Jennie Wiseman, 30, Mary Pickering, 28, Annie Evans, 40 and Nicky Godfrey, 46 – also took part in the fire walk to raise money for the Beeston Unit at City Hospital.
Everyone went back to the pub for a disco after watching the fireworks.
Mrs Murphy, 29, said: "The fireworks were really lovely. It was just enough and didn't go on too long."
Notts Fire and Rescue Service did not have figures available for firework-related call-outs but said there had been no serious incidents.
The city's main celebration will be at The Forest Recreation Ground, Gregory Boulevard, tonight. (monday)
There will be fairground rides and a children's firework display at 7.15pm before the bonfire and grand firework display at 9pm.
Gates open at 5.30pm and entrance is free.
