BONFIRES and jaw-dropping firework displays set to modern pop music lit the night sky over Worcester.

Rockets banged, screeched and sent showers of sparks in a rainbow of colours over the thousands of people gathered at the annual Worcester Round Table bonfire and firework display at Worcester Racecourse on Saturday.

The crowds were not disappointed as they were treated to a spectacular display that has been a regular fixture at Pitchcroft for more than 35 years. The evening included fairground rides, live music and games, and helped raise money for the Round Table’s Make a Difference Campaign. The bonfire was lit by 12-year-old Harriet Branfield, who attends The Chase School in Malvern, accompanied by Mayor of Worcester Andy Roberts, and Harriet’s friends Yaz Sharpe-Wright, aged 13, who goes to Hanley Castle High School and Charlotte Stephens, 12, who also attends The Chase.

Harriet lit the fuse of a rocket which shot into the core of the bonfire, setting it alight.

A Fantastical Musical Firework Night at Red Hill School was put on by The Friends of Red Hill School on Friday.

The display was set to music, including The Killers, Take That and the Stereophonics, thanks to the hard work of Warwick Taylor and Pete Pedrick, who have organised the event for the last four years. They even take time off work so they can prepare properly.

Between 1,300 and 1,500 people attended and a performance by the children of the musical Grease was shown on a big screen.

Mike Wickens, secretary of the friends, said: “I think the display now has a really good reputation locally. It is also getting bigger and better every year. It is reasonably priced and a great family event.”

Another impressive display took place at the King George V Playing Fields in Brickfields, Worcester.

Organiser Sandra Kennedy of Worcester City Council said about 4,000 people watched the display at 7pm. It followed football matches, arts and crafts activities, face-painting, dancing and the Radio Wyvern Black Thunder Crew, who played music to the gathered crowds.

Mrs Kennedy said: “It was just so amazing to see so many people from the community attending and enjoying themselves. During this recession people are afraid to go out and enjoy themselves and it was great to see so many families.”

The display was supported by Cap 360, Worcester City Council, Worcestershire County Council, West Mercia Police, the Safer Worcester Partnership, Worcester Play Council, the Rose Avenue Fryer in Tolladine and Councillor Alan Amos.