Colchester fireworks organisers on running event for over 50 years

The event, which will begin when gates open on Tuesday at 5.30pm, will include a fireworks display and entertainment. 

There will also be the parade of the Guy Fawkes effigy from the Castle Park bandstand at 7pm.

Judy Alden and her husband Bernard are part of the King Coel Kittens who have been running the Colchester Castle Park fireworks night for 54 years.

The King Coel's Kittens formed back in 1960, originally to raise funds to purchase resources for people and groups with special needs living in the local community.

Together - article from 2010 of the King Coel Kittens: Martin Hunt, Malcolm Laquis-Alden, Mike Scully, Judy Alden, Dawn Chaplin, Paula Deighton and Bernard Alden (Image: Judy Alden) They then organised the first fireworks night in 1970 and will be hosting their 53rd night in Castle Park on November 5.

Last year was the first time the event went ahead without a bonfire due to safety regulations and it will be the same for 2024. 

Smiles - Bernard and Judy Alden with their 40th Guy Fawkes creation in 2010 (Image: Judy Alden) Judy said: “I was there on the night they first decided to have one, we had a meeting at someone’s house and that was the start of it all.

“I think it’s done very well over time and it’s expanded into something brilliant.

Spectacular – the fireworks display will still go ahead on Tuesday evening (Image: Newsquest)

“Over the years, the group has got smaller and we need more help, but it’s great and it has all stayed the same, apart from that we are now not allowed to have a bonfire.

Nostalgic - the Alden family stood with one of their first Guy Fawkes creations (Image: Judy Alden) “It’s nice watching Guy Fawkes going round, that’s lovely with all the drummers and there is a sense of togetherness with everybody.

“My son has grown up with it all and it’s great to see him get involved with the business.

“It’s turned into a cultural thing and something people love to do all together.

Recent - Judy and Bernard Alden with a more recent Guy Fawkes (Image: Judy Alden) “We have to call in so many people and there is a lot to organise, but that is all organised by our chairman, Jackie Bowers.”

The event now sees between 10,000 and 14,000 people each year and has become the go-to fireworks event in Colchester.

The group has raised over half a million pounds across the years, with the money being used for the benefit of people and groups within the local community.  

She added: "In the early days the group were pleased if they raised a few hundred pounds from an event, but today they look to raise a few thousand pounds.”

For more information on the King Coel Kittens and to book tickets for the upcoming display, visit https://tinyurl.com/King-Coel