By Community Correspondent Callum Fraser Sparklers, burgers, hot chocolate, sickening Rides, stunning explosions in the sky and even luminous Light sabers- everything needed to make a satisfying bonfire night. Well this year on the cold November night, Imber Court, a local metropolitan police sports club, produced another night with it all- but many could not help but feel they had not got their moneys worth.

The event had of course been a regular topic of discussion for citizens of the surrounding area, hoping to bear witness to a truly spectacular display of explosive colours and a buzzing atmosphere. The previous year had seen record crowds and a truly remarkable display of fireworks- not to mention the bonfire that had kept all warm in the near sub zero temperatures. This of course gave this year’s event a rather sizeable level of expectation, and I for one was not too disappointed with a night that I can say took its fair portion of abuse the next morning.

Of course in these tough times, every penny counts and I managed to scrape in with the reasonably priced £4 child admission, as opposed to the debatably priced £6 for over 14’s. After a few debates of either which rides to go on, all of which I couldn’t help feel cost a little bit more that necessary, I decided my money would be better spent on a tasty looking burger. Full up and warmed by the glaze of the enormous bonfire, I waited excitedly for the display that had dazzled my eyes last year. The less said about that part of the night the better, but the fireworks were certainly were mediocre, and I think I was more impressed by some of the back garden displays I witnessed. Ignoring the slightly pathetic excuse of a fireworks display, I felt that it was a good night- but others beg to differ.

A boy from a local secondary school, Tiffin Boys in Kingston, was left thoroughly bemused after the event. Jack Claydon, a citizen of Berrylands, made the journey to Molsey and said he would rather be at home watching Eggheads that witness the “miserable” display again. Jack, 16, said that the evening was a disappointment from the beginning, with the ludicrously expensive admission fee, followed by the greasy food and pathetic rides, followed by the “feeble” display.

Despite this harsh critique, Imber Court still managed to attract more people to their event than any other event in the local area, which suggests that it is still an event that people look forward to all year round. However, we do not think that the expectations will be as high for next year as they were for the eagerly anticipated event this year.