Cracker night guaranteed at annual fireworks show

LIGHTING THE WAY: The sky above Whangarei will be lit up by spectacular flashes from the Whangarei Lions Club Fireworks Spectacular at Toll Stadium tonight. PHOTO/FILE

A blast down to Toll Stadium tonight will see Northlanders' Saturday night go off with a bang.

The Whangarei Lions Club Fireworks Spectacular is back for the 26th year at Toll Stadium with the gates opening at 6pm.

Fireworks committee chairman Merv Williams said the event was a fundraiser for the community but also a chance for residents to enjoy a night out.

"It gives families an outlet to enjoy Guy Fawkes without having to do them at home," he said.

This year's fireworks are provided by Boom Boom Fireworks which Mr Williams said had never disappointed. Last year $20,000 worth of fireworks went up and this year about $25,000 worth is expected.

"They're really good quality. We make a real effort to make the display a bit different each year," Mr Williams said.

Gates open at 6pm with the display set to start at 8.30pm but Mr Williams said that depended on when it went dark. The display usually ended at about 9.15pm, he said. Before the fireworks there is a range of entertainment and food to keep people entertained.

"We have a band Kurfew performing, we have a dance group and cheerleaders, we have a bouncy castle, fun rides on four wheelers and of course junk food."

More than 5000 people are expected. The event is $10 for a single person and $25 for family (two adults, two children or one adult and three children) with tickets available from the gates only. Spectators are welcome to bring their deck chairs.