To infinity and beyond 8,000 people and a firework Buzz Lightyear celebrated Guy Fawkes Night in Colchester's Castle Park.
The powder was kept dry as the only thing raining down were the trails of massive roman candles and catherine wheels.
Fireworks at Colchester's Castle Park last night Picture: TERRY WEEDEN
Magician Michael J Fitch warmed up the crowd before the heat was turned up a notch as the guy was paraded and thrown on to the bonfire.
The display, organised by charity fundraisers King Coel's Kittens, began with a firework image of Toy Story's space hero and continued for more than 20 minutes, as huge booms and bursts of fire drew oohs and aahs from the excited crowd.
This was the first year when no tickets were sold on the gate but everything went smoothly.
King Coel's Kitten's Bonnie Hill said: "There's been no trouble on the gates and although some people have been disappointed, they accepted they didn't pick up on the publicity and said next year they would book tickets in advance."
Published Wednesday November 6, 2002
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