We have lost one of Bristol's longest running firework displays.

For more than a generation people from all over the city made their way to the Downs for the annual event.

They approached in anticipation, excited by what was to come.

The fireworks which followed were always breathtaking and more ambitious and expansive by the year.

Until recent years most people willingly paid the entrance fee knowing it would go to charity.

After all they had seen a memorable show.

And they also knew that the Lord Mayor's Appeal for Children and other good causes would benefit.

There were always some who stood outside the barrier and saw the show for nothing.

But over the years that number grew.

Until the point where it has become impractical for the Bristol Round Table and Clifton Rotary Club to stage it again.

Last year's awful weather did not help, but that in itself did not sound the death knell for the display.

That came thanks to the freeloaders who watched it for nothing and then selfishly walked away into the night.

Some may have thought the display was put on by the council but no one who got within a road's width of the site could have been in any doubt. In any case they could still have paid and helped those less well off.

Maybe this year when the November sky above the Downs is empty and silent on bonfire night they will have reason to reflect.

Unfortunately they are more likely to complain that nothing is as good as it used to be.

The one thing they will never do is blame themselves.