Safety first for fireworks shows throughout North East

Nov 3 2009 by Sara Nichol, The Journal

ROCKETS and catherine wheels will light up the North East sky this as thousands of families celebrate Bonfire Night.

But firefighters are urging families to follow the Fireworks Code to make sure the night goes with a bang but passes without injuries or fatalities.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tom Capeling from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our message is simple: bonfires and fireworks can injure and even kill you. Don’t let this happen to you or your loved ones.

“The run up to Bonfire Night is one of our busiest periods and we’re appealing to the public to play their part in helping us to keep everyone safe this year.

“We urge everyone to attend professionally organised displays and report any unlit illegal bonfires that have been built to their local authority for removal. That way, we can all have a safe and enjoyable bonfire experience.”

Here is a list of supervised bonfire night displays across our region:

NEWCASTLE

CITY STADIUM, off Warwick Street, Sandyford. Fireworks display at 6.30pm on Thursday.

ELSWICK PARK, off Beech Grove Road. karaoke and disco from 6.30pm and fireworks at 7.30pm on Thursday. Free entry. Ring (0191) 277 3456 for more details.

BROADWAY WEST, the football pitches in Gosforth. Lighting of bonfire at 6.15pm and fireworks at 7.15pm on Thursday. Food and hot drinks will be on sale. Adults cost £3, children £1. Proceeds donated to charity.

WALKER PARK, off Wharrier Street, Walker. Starts 6.15pm, fireworks from 7pm on Thursday. Free entry. Hosted by Metro Radio. Telephone: (0191) 277 3622

GATESHEAD

There will be organised displays at Saltwell Park, Oliver Henderson Park, in Felling, and Barmoor, in Ryton. Each bonfire will be lit at 7pm and fireworks will start at 7.30pm on Thursday.

NORTH TYNESIDE

BLUE FLAMES SPORTING CLUB, Whitley Park, Whitley Road, Benton. Advance tickets available through local schools and charitable groups, or buy tickets on the night. Contact reception on (0191) 270 0885 or via website: www.blueflamesclub.co.uk Gates open 5.30pm on Thursday. Display starts 7pm. Admission: £1.50 to £3.

SEGEDUNUM ROMAN FORT AND MUSEUM on Thursday at 6.30pm. Call (0191) 236 9347.

SOUTH TYNESIDE

OAKLEIGH GARDENS SCHOOL, on Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm. Display starts at 7pm. Free.

DURHAM

AYKLEY HEADS, Durham. Fireworks will start at 5pm on Thursday. £3 for adult, £2 for children. Under-fives go free.

TERRACE GREEN, Seaham. Fireworks display on Friday from 7pm.

NORTHUMBERLAND

THE SELE, Hexham, on Saturday from 6pm. Free.

MORPETH RUGBY CLUB, Morpeth, on Sunday. Bonfire lit at 6pm. Entry charges are £4 for adults and £2 for under-12s.

ALNWICK RUGBY CLUB, Alnwick. Firework display from 7.30pm on Saturday.

Send us your pictures from Bonfire Night this week. Go to www. journallive.co.uk/flickr to upload them to our flickr photo group