Taupō's popular annual fireworks display returns

Taupō's annual fireworks display and laser show is on at Owen Delany Park on Friday, November 2. Photo / File

It's a couple of days early, but Owen Delany Park is set to 'explode' on Friday November 2 with stunning firework displays and laser lights to celebrate this year's Guy Fawkes anniversary.

The annual event, sponsored by the Starlight Cinema Centre with support from many local businesses, is a great community fundraiser and popular with families from around the district with people from as far away as Hawke's Bay and Wellington travelling each year to enjoy what some say is the best fireworks event in the country.

Starlight Cinema Centre's Peter Smith says he's especially looking forward to this year's event with the fireworks and laser light company promising an even better display than at previous years.

The big screen performance, Peter Rabbit (rated PG for some violent action) will keep people entertained until the sun goes down and the laser and firework show begins.

There's plenty of entertainment before the movie and Peter says there will be a bouncy castle for youngsters and photo opportunities with Mickey and Minnie Mouse during the evening.

Tickets are for sale at the gate on the night and cost $5 per person with children under two free.

Event organiser and Lake Taupō Rotary member Ian Chamberlain says there will be a range of food stalls on site and picnics are welcome – no alcohol though – and there will be security checks at the park entrance.

"It's a great family event as well as a community fundraiser," says Ian. "In previous years we've been able to donate around $18,000 to various community organisations."

Three local charities will each receive a share of $5000 from this year's proceeds and members of the public can vote for their favourite charity on the night with the organisation with the most votes receiving the biggest donation.

The gates open at 5.30pm and the movie starts at 7.15pm. A bad weather option is Saturday November 3 and any changes or cancellation will be advised via More FM and Facebook.