In pictures: 20,000 watch Cambridge fireworks display

Fireworks lit up the night sky in Cambridge last Saturday evening (November 4), as around 20,000 people flocked to Midsummer Common for the annual display – one of the largest in the region.

This year the event, organised by Cambridge City Council and sponsored by Illumina, did not feature a bonfire, following some complaints last year that it was inconsistent with the authority’s drive to reduce carbon emissions and might pose a risk to public health.

The fireworks display was hit with some technical challenges, however, with pauses between some sets and some attending suggesting the event had been scaled down from previous years.

A Cambridge City Council spokesperson said afterwards: ‘‘Over 20,000 people gathered together on Midsummer Common on Saturday evening to watch a free, large-scale fireworks display.

“The heavy rain of previous days held off for Illumina Fireworks Night organised by Cambridge City Council and didn’t deter large numbers of people of all ages enjoying this long-standing community event.”

The spokesperson added: “Despite some technical difficulties, Pains Fireworks delivered some spectacular crescendos within their display.”

Meanwhile, there were major displays throughout the region, including in Cambourne, Histon and Impington, Willingham, Linton, Milton, Over, Burwell and Ely and many more.