Thousands on Plymouth Hoe for Bonfire Night
THOUSANDS of thrill seekers packed the Hoe to experience the explosive fun of Bonfire Night.
As fireworks cascaded through the sky off the Citadel from 8pm, Queen's We Will Rock You, belted out of the main stage speakers, and a homemade Guy, made by Lipson Vale primary pupils, burned atop a huge fire.
Bright red poppies lit up the Royal Naval War Memorial and Smeaton's tower shone with 250 years emblazoned on its walls, commemorating its anniversary.
Kim Dundass, 26 from Roborough, said: "It's definitely even better this year and there's more people than ever. The music was a nice surprise."
Plymouth dance group, Beat Breakers, performed live on the Heart fm-sponsored stage before the Lord Mayor, Cllr Ken Foster, accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, Cllr Wendy Foster, made a speech.
He thanked the Devonport Royal Dockyard Employees Trust and Babcock Marine sponsoring the event. He also complemented the stage electrics team for the new floodlighting which showed off the Hoe's formal gardens, lit in different colours.
Richard Lee was in the city working away from Twickenham. He said: "I'm really impressed with how well organised this event has been. You don't get community events like this in London."
Dave Joddrill, 35, from Compton, bought along his family. He said: "It's brilliant. It feels like a safe atmosphere and the fireworks blew us away!"
City's burning ambition
TOP Plymouth Argyle figures lead a chant encouraging the city to support the World Cup Bid.
Last night the club's chief executive, Keith Todd, shouted "Plymouth – back the bid," from the stage before the fireworks erupted, and got the crowd to repeat it back.
He then shouted to everyone to text 'Plymouth' to 62018, to help bring World Cup football to the city in 2018.
As hundreds of people reached for their phones, Legendary player, Paul Mariner, accompanied by the club's mascot, Pilgrim Pete, took to the stage and praised the city.
He said: "This is a unique and great city – your support really does make a difference."
Jade Rogers, 25 from Keyham, texted.
She said: "You've got to support your own."
21 Comments
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by Chris, Plymouth
Monday, November 09 2009, 11:47AM
“Love some of these comments.. Lauren is an amazing singer and is requested to be on stage as A LOT of People LOVE to watch her.. and Beat-Breakers well.. I never knew putting young kids on stage so they can show off the skills they learn instead of hanging around street corners is so horrible to watch.. Maybe we should just leave them hanging on Stret Corners bet you wouldnt be so smug if 1 of them was stealing ya car or robbin yahouse whilst you were on the hoe insted of Dancing on stage!!!
You all get on stage and do something better... Kids love to watch Beat-Breakers on stage hence why they are always on it.. Put another 1 of Plmymouth's Dance teams on stage and see what happens..”
by Suzy, Plymouth
Sunday, November 08 2009, 8:13PM
“"I expect the precious pet owners will be on here soon" well yes, that is one thing you are right about!! As for the rubbish about animals being afraid of fireworks because of the way they have been brought up, you don't know what your talking about.
I have always had terriers and for the first time I have one who becomes really distressed when he hears fireworks,and that's after giving him his medication and following all the advice from the vet ect, I think that as a pet owner you should show a little more compassion.
I don't object to Guy Fawkes night or New Years Eve, it's great that everyone celebrates and enjoys themselves and I can take steps to make it as unstressfull as possible for my dog, but this will be a constant fixture from now until well into the new year, that's what I object to, what about livestock,horses ect does anyone consider them?”
by anon, Plymouth
Friday, November 06 2009, 6:04PM
“I loved it. I'm not local and have lived in many cities and last night had such a friendly, community based atmosphere it was a pleasure to be there. I've never been to a bonfire night like it. Plymouth is tops for events like this - it was perfectly pitched.”
by Jan, Plymouth
Friday, November 06 2009, 4:39PM
“Shame about the painfully low quality painfully high volume music - which was not conducive to a family evening out - really bad for children's ears - come on Plymouth - wake up!”
by Big Gay Larry, Saltash
Friday, November 06 2009, 2:23PM
“No dog's a match for my rock solid Westie! She's Scots and been drinking all day! So, like I said, BRING IT ON!”