Big turnout at Bristol Zoo fireworks
More than 2,000 people attended a Bonfire Night with a difference at Bristol Zoo Gardens.
Specially designed "bangless" fireworks lit up the sky without the loud bangs that might frighten small children or the animals.
Last night's toddler and animal-friendly event included singing around the bonfire, free face-painting, mask and lantern making and Guy Fawkes games.
Lark Porter, Bristol Zoo Gardens' events co-ordinator, said: "We had a huge turnout. There was all the flash and sparkle but no scary bangs."
It was one of a number of organised firework displays in and around Bristol.
Avon Fire and Rescue spokeswoman Stephanie Mounsey said more and more families in Bristol were heeding safety advice and attending organised events instead of having fireworks in their own gardens.
2 Comments
by Dan, Bristol
Thursday, November 06 2008, 10:53PM
“I agree that it was far too crowded, and hopefully the zoo will learn some lessons to make the event better for next year. Having said that, my 2 year old son absolutely loved his very first fireworks event, so i can't be totally negative about our experience!”
by AB, Downend
Thursday, November 06 2008, 2:45PM
“Unfortunately this event was a huge letdown for us and our 5 year old left crying after not being able to see any of the fireworks which finally started 5:50pm (event time 4-6pm). The event was far too crowded, you couldn't walk around safely with children for fear of being crushed and therefore couldn't get within 100 metres of the bonfire never mind singing around it! The organisers would not have accurately known how many people attended as they were letting 'members' through the right hand doors without checking the validity of their membership cards. We are members but we will not be renewing our membership.”