Despite the soggy start last Saturday, the weather turned out perfectly for the popular annual event and the moonlight and broken clouds made for a spectacular backdrop to the fireworks display.
This was preceded by the sight of thousands of people walking with flaming torches up Castle Street and the ever-popular Guy competition, this year won by Folly Hill School.
The Farnham Fireworks and Torchlit Procession is organised by the Farnham Round Table, a small group of volunteers who give up their time to organise this event.
However, they couldn’t do it without the help of other local groups, and the group’s chairman Matt Chisnall has thanked all those who helped make this year’s event possible.
“What a fantastic night we had,” said Matt. “The sight of thousands of people walking with flaming torches up the beautiful Castle Street is really a sight to behold and one that I believe makes Farnham a very special place to live in.
“A big thanks goes to local firm Poulsom Plant hire for supplying a JCB to help build the bonfire, we really couldn’t do it without them.
“Thanks also to the local school children who put in a huge effort to decorate our bonfire with an amazing array of Guys. This year’s competition was won by Folly Hill school for their Minecraft-inspired Guy. They will receive a donation of £250 to their PTA for their efforts.”
Matt continued: “41 Club, Network Scouts and Bourne Blades football club did an amazing job staffing our gates and ensuring everyone made it in good time. Thanks also to our marshals who come from local schools and clubs and helped keep everyone safe during the procession.
“Thanks to Tangent, Tootsies Nursery and Potters Gate School for staffing our novelty stalls plus a big shout has to go out to our band, the aptly named Late To The Party, who stepped into the breach at the last minute when our advertised band The Toledo’s had to pull out due to ill health.
“Local talent Max Fulham once again compered the event and kept everyone smiling and this year we were kindly sponsored by Hogs Back Brewery who kept our thirsty punters drinking their wonderful beer, while the Hedgehogs had a mulled wine stall which offered some welcome warmth on such a chilly night.”
Matt added this year’s event has raised over £25,000 which we will be distributing over the coming year to local charities, clubs, schools and community projects.
“This amazing sum of money can only be raised by the generous donations of the people of Farnham; so the last and biggest thank you goes to everyone who attended the event,” he said. “We really hope to see you all again next year.”
(Photos: Chris Pearce)