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A CROWD of more than 1,500 adults and children enjoyed a spectacular show put on by the organisers of Oban’s fireworks’ display at Mossfield Stadium.
The traditional Guy Fawkes night celebrations last Wednesday went without a hitch as various organisations and people in the town joined to ensure that there was no reason for people to risk setting off their own fireworks.
Donations were asked for at the gates by stewards from Oban and Lorn Lions Club, while Dave Bleazard and his crew helped Celebration Displays from Manchester set off the fireworks.
Musical entertainment from Oban FM and a laser lightshow preceded the display, with fluorescent lights on sale too.
The earlier time of a 7pm start may have resulted in many people still coming through the gates at that time, causing organisers to hold off starting until around 7.15pm.
Elsewhere, Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA), Oban councillors and emergency services worked to ensure there were no illegal bonfires set.
Inspector Neil Wallace, Strathclyde Police, Oban, said there had been just three calls over the course of the night regarding fireworks, whereas last year there were two people in custody and numerous calls by the end of the night.
The police worked with ACHA and Argyll and Bute Council to remove any materials that could be used for bonfires and three skip-loads of materials were removed.
Inspector Wallace said: ‘Strathclyde Police are pleased to have been part of the multi-agency approach which ensured this year’s bonfire night passed without serious incident.’
Alastair MacGregor, chief executive of ACHA, said: ‘There were a couple of minor incidents late on in the evening which were dealt with quickly.
‘I and a number of my colleagues attended, for the second year, the fireworks display at Mossfield which was a great success.
‘This is the way forward and ACHA looks forward to supporting next year’s event.’
Councillor Roddy McCuish, chairman of the Oban fireworks initiative, said: ‘I am delighted at the turnout at Mossfield Park, and also pleased there were no serious incidents in the Oban area regarding illegal bonfires.’
