AN early bonfire celebration went off with bang as thousands of people turned out to enjoy the spectacle.

Some 7,500 people are thought to have gathered in the King George V Playing Fields, Brickfields, last night, despite a rumour circulating that it had been cancelled.

Jill Hoad, of organisers LMS Events, said: “It went really well and was a great success. It was a lot busier than last year even though someone spread a rumour that it was cancelled.

“I thought that might dampen it but overall I am really pleased with the turnout. The last couple of years we have had 3-5,000 people.”

Away from the eye-catching firework display provided by Pepperpot Pyrotechnics of Rainbow Hill, local rower and Olympic medalist Zac Purchase proved to be a big draw as he posed for photos, signed autographs and chatted with hosts Heart FM.

Other attractions included children’s entertainment, a food village offering all manner of tasty treats and fire jugglers impressing the crowds.