2011 Fireworks Party Spectacular

The sky was lit up with fireworks and the display was accompanied by music from the Bristol Reggae Orchestra and local MC artists Dinnall, Roger Dat and DJ Read.

People of all ages turned out to enjoy the spectacle and there were plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd, who also had the pleasure of munching on local culinary delights and warning off the crisp Autumn chill with a glass of festive, hot, spiced cider.

One visitor Tweeted: “Thank you @TrinityBristol for an awesome night of fireworks, warm cider, bonfires and The Bristol Reggae Orchestra! Just amazing.”

The event, run entirely by volunteers, organised by Trinity Community Arts, is an annual tradition targeted primarily communities living in the three neighbouring wards Easton, Ashley and Lawrence Hill.

There were a host of organised firework displays and bonfires across the Bristol county over the weekend, however Trinity's display is one of the few remaining free displays. Combined with its central location, this years event attracted record crowds of over 5,000 spectators.

Fireworks night in Bristol was once a dazzling affair - Over years larger displays have attracted the bulk of the crowds. These have dwindled over the years, particularly with the cancellation of events such as the Downs Firework Display - previously Bristol's largest display. With no large display and many people feeling the pinch of the financial crisis, Trinity was inundated with people wanting to attend the free event. Even the Free Firework Display at Portland Square, St Paul's on the Friday evening did not detract from the number of attendees.

The limited capacity of the building and surrounding grounds meant literally thousands of Bristolians were left to watch from adjacent roads, forcing traffic to a standstill.

Emma Harvey, Centre Manager for the Trinity Centre commented: we started out eight years ago with a small display for the local community – since then the Free Trinity Fireworks Party has gradually become an institution.

Despite our best efforts to only publicise the event locally, this year's event has seen us attract record numbers and Trinity will have to think very carefully as to how we proceed next year in order to ensure public safety and also to ensure local people have the opportunity to attend.

Our thanks go out to all the volunteers who work so hard to make the event happen each year and special thanks to Avon and Somerset Police, who helped us to manage the unexpected numbers, reacting quickly to close a major through-road to protect the public.

We hope to work closely with the Constabulary, Bristol City Council and the community over the coming year to keep the spirit of the free firework display alive.”