Thousands packed into South Park for fireworks, food and fun for all the family as Darlington's flagship event returned.

Displays got underway at 6pm thanks to the several light and fire performances held across the show field.

Fire dancers and colourful hoop light shows provided a colourful spectacle across a misty and muddy park packed with families.

The Northern Echo: Fire performers at the South Park fireworks displayFire performers at the South Park fireworks display (Image: The Northern Echo)

At 6.45pm, there was a ‘fantasy fireworks’ display for children, and including a soundtrack of Disney classics. 

But it was at 7.30pm when the evening’s main event ‘License To Thrill’ display exploded into the sky. The crowd was treated to light, sound and colour inspired by James Bond.

The event’s 007 theme saw the display fire into the night sky in time with classic Bond theme tunes including Goldfinger and Live and Let Die.

While South Park provided panoramic views of the surrounding area and the multiple other displays happening in the distance it was the town’s flagship display which made the most noise on the night. So much so that the booming sounds and vibrations set off car alarms.

It was the first time in 11 years that the South Park fireworks event was held in the town centre, although displays have taken place at the arena in recent years.

Those who attended had to obtain a wristband in the weeks leading up to the Bonfire Night to prove they were a Darlington resident in a bid to manage crowd numbers. But many were left disappointed when the event sold out with some online branding it a ‘joke’ and ‘not fair’ after wristbands went in less than five days.

Attempts by youngsters to infiltrate the site without wristbands were quickly snuffed out by security at the entrance gates.

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