Express & Star

Return to West Park goes with a bang!

Although it wasn't quite the fifth of November, Wolverhampton firework enthusiasts came out to celebrate a spectacular display which wowed people old and new.

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Although it wasn't quite the fifth of November, Wolverhampton firework enthusiasts came out to celebrate a spectacular display which wowed people old and new.

The event had moved to its spiritual home at West Park and it proved a winning venue once more as did the family feel to the  event.

One family had travelled from Telford for the festivities and father Michael Bowers said: "We used to live in Wolverhampton and came regularly to the West Park event which always had a great atmosphere and this year is no different."

Komodo Fireworks, who have twice won the British championship, teamed up with City of Wolverhampton Council to put on the event, with queues building up as the gates opened at 5.30pm.

Before the main event there was food and drinks stalls, a funfair and a stage on which Dicky Dodd warmed up the crowd with musical acts including a Queen tribute band.

The fun continued between the two displays, one for the children and the main show for everyone to enjoy. 

Both were choreographed to music, making every firework dance in time to the beat. 

Natalina Formatino from Penn came to the event with her daughter Valentina. 

 Natalina Fornataro with her daughter Valentina Sahota and friend Iqbal Sahota.
Natalina Fornataro with her daughter Valentina Sahota and friend Iqbal Sahota.

The card shop manageress said she hadn't visited the West Park event since the 1980s but had been in recent years to Dunstall Park where it had been held prior to returning to its spiritual home.

She said: "It was wonderful to get everyone together and it looked like there were thousands of people there. I think I preferred it as a venue to Dunstall Park, the stage and the Queen tribute act were great and the atmosphere fantastic. 

A big thumbs up from Natalina and Valentina Sahota and Iqbal Sahota from Penn.
A big thumbs up from Natalina and Valentina Sahota and Iqbal Sahota from Penn.

"There has been a lot of doom and gloom about and it was nice to see everyone enjoying themselves. 

"We watched the first display from the road outside but they were both excellent."

Curtis Sale is originally from Colorado but has lived in Wolverhampton for 14 years and attended the event with his wife Nicola.

(L-R) Dan Irca, Nicola Sale and Curtis Sale from Wolverhampton enjoying the fun at West Park.
(L-R) Dan Irca, Nicola Sale and Curtis Sale from Wolverhampton enjoying the fun at West Park.

He said: "We went to the pub by West Park first then went to the fireworks with a friend and had a really great night. 

"It was a fun atmosphere, the place seemed packed and the displays were excellent.