IT BEGAN WHEN a handful of men agreed to pool their families’ fireworks to provide a display for the girls at the orphanage in Eastern Road, Brighton. That was in 1952, and it was the start of the annual display that has been described as the biggest and best firework display on the south coast. It has even been rated by a national newspaper as one of the top ten displays in the country!

It morphed into a public event to raise money for charity and was, for many years, held at Withdean Stadium before moving to the County Cricket Ground in Hove. Another move to Brighton Racecourse a few years ago has enabled Brighton Lions Club to use bigger and more spectacular fireworks.

This year, Brighton Lions pyro technicians will present their 67th display on Sunday 3 November. Gates open at 6pm, display at 7.30pm. Adults £12, U16 Children £6, U5 Children Free.

“Our aim,” said Brian Slater, co-ordinator of the display, “is to provide a safe display for families at a reasonable price while raising funds for our important charitable work.”

This work includes providing a present for each child in the children’s hospital at Christmas and helping needy local people who would otherwise slip through the cracks in the welfare system.

Tickets can be bought at the gate on the night but buying in advance provides savings. Full details on Brighton Lions website: www.brightonlions.org.uk.