Countdown begins as Marsworth’s legendary fireworks night returns on November 7

The countdown is on! Marsworth’s legendary Bonfire and Fireworks Night returns on Saturday, November 7 – and promises to be bigger and brighter than ever. Expect spectacular fireworks, great food and music, and the usual amazing atmosphere.

This magical and ever-growing village event returns on Saturday (November 7), at the Recreation Ground, Marsworth.

People posting online last year described it as ‘fabulously fantastic,’ ‘truly awesome’, ‘the best one I’ve seen,’ and ‘absolutely brilliant!’ And: ‘A truly great event. Well done, Marsworth, on such an incredible performance.’

Gates open earlier this year at 5 pm, giving visitors extra time to grab a bite and settle in before the festivities begin.

The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm, followed by the fireworks at 7pm. Pay on the gate entry by card or cash is just £6 for adults and £3 for children, with proceeds helping to fund the display and upkeep of the village hall.

Delicious burgers and hot dogs, plus soup and rolls are set to be on sale to keep everyone warm, plus there’ll be mulled wine and sweet treats.

Marsworth Village Hall Committee, led by Iain Puddephat, is organising the event, with the preparation of the fireworks and soundtrack done by long-time experienced village co-ordinator Paul Rance, continuing a winning formula.

Parking is available in the orchard off Watery Lane, with disabled badge holders permitted to park directly on the recreation ground.

Paul sources and prepares the Class 3 fireworks, getting them at trade prices and personally crafting a soundtrack to complement the display, with some new sounds this year plus old favourites, from The Who to Offenbach and Tchaikovsky.

Over recent weeks Paul has been wrapping the fireworks in polythene film in case of drizzle, syncing them with the music as best he can and getting everything ready to go – a big task that takes at least 40 hours of work, let alone time setting up on the day.

"I think we’ve got a good number of fireworks, more than normal as the budget has gone up thanks to the success of last year’s display," he says. "The bonfire is being built and hopefully the weather will be alright, and everyone will be happy."

Paul has also been making sure the rocket tubes and stakes are all smooth, so that the polythene wrapping he has put on the fireworks isn’t torn.

The fireworks are launched by an analogue electronic system with wires now, not by blowtorch as was done in the past.

So Paul can sit at a distance within the 25-metre-plus cordon and flick a switch while timing everything according to his schedule on a stopwatch. ‘It’s safer than wandering around with a torch,’ he adds.

The display has grown in popularity, drawing visitors by word-of-mouth recommendations from Tring, Berkhamsted, Weston Turville and beyond. With a 30-minute display, a rousing 1812 Overture encore, and a warm village atmosphere, it’s no wonder the event keeps growing.

Paul adds: “It’s a good job I have a dedicated team of five or six helpers to set up on the day. People love it, and this year we are putting in the extra effort to make it even more fun. Come along - you won’t be disappointed.”

To add suitable, burnable items to the bonfire, contact Paul Rance on Facebook or WhatsApp message him on 07770 587334 and he will get back to you.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL: Marsworth Christmas Tree Festival is back! This year the theme will be Christmas Carols. Contact Ruth Monks if you would like to decorate a tree. There will also be a jigsaw stall, preserves stall, raffle and refreshments, with donations welcome. It will be on Saturday, November 28, from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday, November 29, from 11.30am to 4pm.

RED LION: The recent quiz night raised £190.40 for Hector’s House. Thanks to quiz master Bruce Rutter and to Rebellion Brewery and Tring Brewery for their donations to the raffle.

Pumpkin painting returns to the Red Lion, Marsworth, on Thursday, October 22, from 7pm. Please book with [email protected]. £15pp.

And there’s a Halloween Dress-up Party on Saturday, October 31, from 7.30pm till late.

DANCE THE OL’ SUN-DOWN: New Moon Morris will be dancing to mark the end of summer at Pitstone Hill on Sunday October 25 from 4pm to 5pm. All welcome to join in, hopefully see the sun sink and get some funny looks from sheep!

CHEDDINGTON: The Action Group’s latest post in its campaign to halt the proposal for 8,000 homes in Cheddington, many high-density, points out that a good part of the development will not be within 800 metres reasonable walking distance of the station. Some of the proposed housing would be 2.2km away.

BINGO: There’s a Bingo Night at Pitstone Memorial Hall on Friday, October 30. Eyes Down at 7.30pm. Tickets £9, cash preferred but card payments also accepted.