Visitors praise bonfire event

VISITORS to this year's Edenbridge bonfire extravaganza were in agreement that the event was one of the best in recent years.

Julie Carpenter, from Oxted, who brought daughter Courtney along, said: "I come every year and this year's is definitely the best one I've been to. There were more floats this year and I'm looking forward to seeing the effigy get set on fire."

Event organisers recorded a rise in the number of people watching the firework display following the procession and reported the money raised from bucket collections during the parade had topped £2,000, which will be shared amonglocal good causes.

Dave King, of Mallard Way, Edenbridge, who watched the torchlit parade leave Fircroft Way, said: "It was very good, the best one we've had for years."

After watching the parade through the High Street, the crowds made their way to Lingfield Road Recreation Ground for the traditional blowing up of the Guy Fawkes and celebrity effigies.

"Bonfire Bishop" Nigel Faulkner whipped up the crowd, reciting the bonfire prayer and asking them whether they wanted to burn "the traitors", which was met with a unanimous cheer.

Visitors were then treated to the sight of the two effigies exploding, followed by an impressive firework display.

Bonfire society committee member Charles Laver said: "The society would like to say a big thank you to everybody who helped on the night and who entered the parade.

For results of winning float and walking party entries, see page 41