The sky was the limit for Guy Fawkes night thrills on Friday as crowds flocked to the Mayor's Firework Fiesta.
Up to 10,000 people packed into War Memorial Park in Basingstoke for the spectacular show, which also featured a sight and sound display.
The annual event raised money for the mayor's annual charity appeal, which will benefit the Soldiers, Airmen and Families Association (SAFFA), Basingstoke Alzheimer's Society and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation.
Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Keith Chapman attended the evening with the mayoress, Jennifer Chapman, their daughter Clare and son Mark.
Mrs Chapman said: “It was an excellent display with absolutely wonderful fireworks.
“The whole evening was excellent value for money. All the fireworks were huge and lit up the sky beautifully and the display went on for a long time.”
Spectator Emma Blackman, who attended with five friends, all from Tadley, said: “The fireworks were absolutely brilliant. The whole display was breath-taking and was a good length which kept the crowd entertained. Plus the cider was good.”
The charities receiving the cash were chosen by the mayor.
SAFFA, which was founded 125 years ago, supports service personnel and their families.
The charity was chosen partly because Mrs Chapman had been brought up in a military family. She said her father died in 1944 while serving in France.
Basingstoke Alzheimer's Society is one of the UK's leading care and research organisations dealing with the disease.
The mayor has a personal reason for his involvement with the charity because his 82-year-old sister suffers from the disease.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation provides grants ranging from £250 to £5,000 to small organisations throughout the county. The Government promised to match each donation pound-for-pound until march next year.
Pictures by Aaron Noonan
