Fireworks fans planning to go to a popular Colchester display will not have the option of checking the weather before handing over their cash this year.

Organisers of King Coel's Kittens annual fireworks display, at Castle Park, have taken the decision to scrap on-the-door sales and will only be selling tickets in advance.

Jackie Bowis, chairman of the Colchester charity, said it was due to the huge success of last year and the main concern of ensuring the safety of everyone attending.

"Last year, the event exceeded all expectations in terms of income for worthy causes and the number of people coming through the gates.

"To enable the group to have full control of numbers and to ensure that the health and safety rules are applied at all times, this year, for the first time, the event will be pre-sales only, no tickets on the gate.

"We know that we will have to disappoint a number of people who want to wait until the last minute to decide, depending upon weather conditions, whether they are going to attend but by controlling entry to this family event we can guarantee that people's safety has been put as a priority," she said.

The event will take place on Tuesday, November 5, in Colchester Castle Park, when the gates will open at 6pm.

Published Friday October 11, 2002

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