Firework fans are being encouraged to buy their tickets for a popular town centre display after only 500 tickets have been sold.

Colchester charity King Coel's Kittens organises the annual bonfire night event in Colchester's Castle Park.

For the first time, tickets are not being sold on the gates to ensure the safety of the public.

So far, just 500 of the 8,000 tickets available have been sold for the event.

But Jackie Bowis, chairman of King Coel's Kittens, said this was normal.

She said: "Up to last weekend, we had sold over 500 tickets. This is the week they sell."

Mrs Bowis said this was following a similar pattern to previous events but wanted to encourage people to attend the event.

This year's theme is children's music and Guy Fawkes will be paraded around the park before the main event.

Gates open at 6pm and the parade starts at 7pm.

The Folly walk-through will be closed from 5pm.

Tickets are on sale at the Colchester tourist information centre until 5pm on Tuesday.

They cost £5 for adults and £3 for children.

Published Friday November 1, 2002

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