NIGHT skies across the Forest and Wye Valley lit up in spectacular fashion at the weekend for Bonfire Night.

The Forest of Dean Lions and Severndean Lions Clubs feared it would see the number of supporters drop at its annual Fern bonfire and firework display at Speech House as it was going in direct competition with other organised displays.

Yet Lions president Alan Townley said it was quite the opposite with more than £16,000 raised for local good causes – its best year ever!

He said: “All the bills are not in yet but it looks as if this is our best year ever with a profit of more than £16,000. In excess of 5,000 people supported the event which sees most of the money donated. Any good cause that feels that they could benefit from the money should contact the lions in their postcode area. Severndean Lions GL14, GL17 and Forest of Dean Lions GL15 and GL16.

“As ever our dedicated team of volunteers and marshals made sure everything ran smoothly and everybody had a great night. We can’t thank all our helpers enough and Mr and Mrs Hands from the Speech House.”

Some £5,000 was spent on this year’s display. Danter’s funfair attended as well as numerous food stalls serving the queues of people.

Chepstow community fireworks pulled in a crowd of 3,000 at Chepstow School and raised more than £5,000 for local good causes.

Organisers Chepstow and District Round Table were even more impressed with the turnout after signs advertising its event were stolen from key sites across the town.

Chepstow Round Table chairman, Robert Phelps said: “This was another fantastic event this year. Thanks to the support of the people of Chepstow. Given that our signs mysteriously vanished from roadsides across Chepstow in the run up to the event to still get a capacity crowd was exceptional.

“The evening would not have been possible without the continuing support of our sponsors as well as the Round Table members who give their time freely. We are always looking for new members so if anyone fancies coming along then just get in touch.”

In addition to the fireworks there was live music from the Dell Superstars, Kre8tive Theatre KidzKre8tive Theatre Kidz Kre8tive Theatre Kidz, Cacie Axon, Megan Davies and the headline act The Brothers Blue a Blues Brothers tribute act. The countdown to the fireworks was led by Chepstow Mayor Paul Pavia.

Meanwhile the third Soudley Bonfire and Fireworks display at the rec saw 400 people attend. There was a ‘sparkler’ area, glow sticks and hot refreshments.

Crowds of people also supported other firework displays in the area including Lydney Bathurst Park on Friday night and Caldicot Castle on Sunday.

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.