‘OOHS’ and ‘aahs’ filled the Polo Ground in Old Town on Saturday night as the Swindon Lions firework display and funfair event went off with a bang.

Thousands of families descended on the field despite the freezing temperatures to enjoy the spectacular show which has been running for more than 30 years.

The show is the main fundraiser for the group and last year, it saw them give away approximately £18,000 to local good causes.

Organisers were anticipating about 8,000 people to turn up for the display which saw fireworks to the value of £8,000 light up the skies.

The show, which culminated in a breathtaking finale, went down well with the crowds.

Louise Keary, of Haydon Wick, attended with her boyfriend.

She said: “I normally go to the fireworks at Lydiard but we thought we would try this show this year and it was great. We really enjoyed the fireworks, it was a really good show.”

Edwards Funfairs also proved popular amongst younger members of the crowd, while Heart radio station kept children and adults alike entertained before the fireworks show started.

Michelle Woods, of West Swindon, took her niece and nephew to the show.

She said: “The kids are still quite young so I was a bit worried they might be scared of the noise, but they really enjoyed themselves. Everyone loves fireworks, no matter what age you are, and there was definitely a great turn out.”

Meanwhile, over at Lydiard Park, Swindon and North Wiltshire Scouts put on another spectacular fireworks display as well as a much welcomed bonfire which proved a crowd-pleaser during the particularly cold night.

Unfortunately, the weather put paid to the annual firework display at the cricket ground in Cricklade as organisers were forced to cancel the event due to flooding.