A CROWD of about 1,200 people flocked to Milland for the village’s annual bonfire and fireworks evening.

This was slightly fewer than last year’s record crowd but those who were there on November 4 enjoyed a spectacular, 15-minute long fireworks display against a cloud free, moonlit backdrop.

The evening attracted people from beyond the village with some visitors traveling many miles to be there.

Milland bonfire and fireworks party organising committee member John Collier said: “We have received a lot of positive feedback about the quality of our firework display and the relaxed, family-friendly nature of the event.

“These included one message of thanks from a family who had travelled from Guildford just for the evening.”

Before the firework display there were best guy and best carved pumpkin competitions for children.

The standard of entries was very high and the winners were Milland Nursery School and James Vigar in the best guy categories, and Ellie and Holly Durham for their carved pumpkin. All of the winners received a certificate and boxes of sweets.

Food and drink was in high demand, and the hog roast proved particularly popular.

A number of village-based groups also used bonfire night as an opportunity to raise funds.

The sports club ran the bar and sold mulled wine, while the village hall team sold homemade soup and hot chocolate as well as organising a raffle.

Hollycombe Primary School sold an array of sweets, homemade cakes and glow-sticks, and Milland Stores was also open selling hot dogs and coffee as well as all its usual range of products.

Organised by the bonfire and fireworks committee on behalf of the parish council, the bonfire and fireworks event has been an annual fixture in the Milland calendar for more than 50 years.

The organising committee, all volunteers from the village, thanked the many people from the village who helped with organising and running the event.

More than 40 volunteers helped on the night as safety marshals, ticket collectors or food servers, or by providing specialist electrical and catering services.

All profits from the event will be distributed to Milland-based charities, voluntary organisations and good causes.