The sky’s the limit for the organisers of Sidbury’s annual charity fireworks display, who are hoping this year’s event will raise a record amount for local and national causes.

It will take place at Sidbury Manor on Saturday, November 4, starting at 5.30pm. Tickets are £8 for adults and £6 for children under 14, with toddlers free.

Sidbury’s bonfire and fireworks events has raised around £35,000 in the last 10 years. This year’s lead charity is Sid Valley Memory Café, which brings people together to share advice and experiences of living with dementia.

Sidmouth Herald: Bonfire at Sidbury Fireworks displayRocker Sheppard, a member of the all-volunteer Sidbury Bonfire and Fireworks Committee, said ticket prices have been held down although costs have risen.

He said: "The running costs for an event like Sidbury Fireworks are high, but it’s terrific value, with a huge bonfire, massive aerial fireworks display, great live music from Conscious Club plus beer tent and barbecue.

"Luckily, plenty of people are both generous and up to for a good time."

The biggest item on the bill is the spectacular aerial display, which costs £8,000 to mount. Other costs include staging and toilet hire. But local suppliers provide discounts and donations in kind, and volunteers carry out all the tasks such as constructing the fire, bar-tending, and marshalling parking.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidbury fireworks displayCommittee treasurer Roger Davey said: "Every year we have made donations to national and local charities even though we have had one or two years when we have struggled to make a profit.

"The event has been troubled by poor weather only a couple of times, but in the last few years we've enjoyed record crowds and we're praying for good weather again this year."

Sidbury Bonfire and Fireworks Committee was formed in 1997 where the event was held at the bottom of Sidbury Manor Drive. Then, in 2005, the late Sir John Cave gave his permission to move the event into the manor grounds to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, giving the firework display a stunning backdrop of the Manor house and Lake.

In 2003 the event moved to the present site close to Sidbury Manor overlooking the lakes, with the kind permission of owners, the Cave family. As the event grew, food and alcohol refreshments were made available, together with a stage and live music.

Sidmouth Herald: Conscious Club at Sidbury Fireworks display

Spectators have an excellent view of the display thanks to committee member Alan Derryman from Home Farm who allows the use of his field for the event.

Parking is free. A team of experienced volunteers will direct visitors to the safest place to park on fields, facing downhill for an easy exit.

Tickets are available from the Red Lion Inn and Drews Butchers in Sidbury,  Vinnicombes Bakery and the Post Office in Sidmouth, or at the gate for the same price. They can also be bought via Everbrite, where booking fees apply.

For more information contact Francis Pearce on 01395 597111 or email francispearce119@gmail.com