Whanganui's debut fireworks display at Castlecliff beach is set to become annual affair.
That was the promise from the principal of Aranui School, Maryann Roberts, who helped organise Friday's event.
Castlecliff and Aranui schools joined forces in May to promote education in the area and the fireworks display and gala beforehand was one way they planned to do so.
Ms Roberts said it was hard to know how many people turned up on Friday night because it was a free event but the carparks were full and the beach was packed with hundreds.
"It was very well supported and we were pleased with the crowds that came down. The crowd was really well behaved and it was a real family event."