A CROWD of more than 1,300 people, including visitors from as far afield as Farnham and Chichester, flocked to Milland for the annual bonfire and fireworks which was held on the Recreation Field last weekend.

They witnessed one of the biggest bonfires seen in the West Sussex village for many years and a spectacular, 15-minute long, display – provided by Sussex-based Aurora Fireworks.

The organising committee’s John Collier told The Herald: “We have received a lot of positive feedback about the spectacle of the bonfire, the quality of the fireworks display and the relaxed, family friendly atmosphere of the event.”

Children displayed their best guy and best carved pumpkins before the start of the festivities and all winners received a certificate and boxes of sweets.

Food and drink was in high demand.

As usual, the hog roast proved particularly popular with two whole pigs being consumed in little more than 90 minutes.

A number of village-based groups also used bonfire night as an opportunity to raise funds.

The Sports Club ran the bar and sold mulled wine, the Village Hall team offered homemade soup and hot chocolate, as well as organising a raffle.

Hollycombe School sold an array of sweets and homemade cakes and Milland Stores was also open selling hot dogs, burgers and coffee as well as all their usual range of products.

Organised by the bonfire and fireworks committee, which also includes Dave Allen, Owen Glaysher, Steve McKechnie and Justin Whitehouse, on behalf of the parish council, the event has been an annual fixture in the Milland calendar for more than 50 years.

Mr Collier added: “The organising committee, all volunteers from the village, would like to thank the many people who helped so tirelessly and in so many ways with organising and running the event.

“Over 40 volunteers helped on the night as safety marshals, ticket collectors, food servers or by providing specialist electrical and catering services and villagers had the opportunity to bing their wood-based waste to build the huge bonfire on the Recreation Field before the event.”

All profits will be distributed to Milland-based charities, voluntary organisations and good causes.

Donations in the past four years have exceeded £16,000 and have benefitted the Village Halls, Sports Club, Hollycombe School, the Community Shop and the Recreation Ground.

Milland’s next fundraising event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support will be the annual Christmas Bazaar, which is due to take place in the Memorial Hall, off Iping Road.

on Sunday, December 2, between 10am and 5pm.

The event is sponsored by Knight Frank estate agents and some 20 stalls will be offering an abundance of Christmas gift ideas for friends and family.

Entry costs £3 for adults and £5 for a family ticket.