ILMINSTER Town FC has been celebrating after staging a hugely successful bonfire and fireworks party at Britten’s Field.

The event was all part of the ongoing fundraising project for the club’s new pavilion headquarters which is now in the early stages of being built.

Hundreds of people – including lots of families – took no notice of the wet and breezy weather and attended the party on Sunday (November 8) where there was music, refreshments, and the all-important bonfire and fireworks.

A minute’s silence was held before the fireworks display – run by Stellar Fireworks – with it coinciding with Remembrance Sunday and apart from the occasional, but expected, burst of excited chatter of small children, the mark of respect was impeccably observed.

The fireworks were fantastic with them lighting up the night sky and, at one point, a young onlooker said “it’s snowing fireworks.” There was a rousing round of applause at the end of the display.

The club would like to thank its bonfire sponsors – the Shrubbery Hotel of Ilminster and Paul Fenton Estate Agents of Chard – for their support.

There is now hope that it will become an annual event and, on this showing, there is no reason to suggest why that should be.

The club’s Darren Paul, who has been playing a leading role in the new pavilion project, said: “We would like to thank everyone that came along and made our first bonfire night and firework display such a success.

“Without your support this would not have been possible. We are very grateful for all the positive feedback and look forward to seeing you all there next year.”

The day kicked-off with the judging of a children’s competition where they had been invited to make their very own Guy Fawkes.

The judging awarded first place for Greenfylde First School, while Neroche Primary School were runners-up and Cygnets Pre-School was third.

It is understood that competition sponsor Angie Blackwell, of Cottage Flowers, will make a presentation to the winning entry at a later date.

There were firework displays across the area – including another successful night at Chard Rugby Club on November 5.