St Albans fireworks display hopes to raise £1m

Up to 20,000 people are expected at the fireworks display in Verulamium Park

A cathedral is hoping to hit a £1m fundraising landmark with its 40th annual fireworks display.

St Albans Cathedral began the event in 1983 in partnership with St Albans City Hospital and said it had since raised more than £900,000 for local charities.

Thousands of people attend the event at Verulamium Park which even continued during the pandemic.

Produced by Fantastic Fireworks, Saturday night's display will be accompanied by music from Glastonbury performers.

The display at St Albans Cathedral is celebrating its 40th year

“Who would have thought an event set up in the 80s with five barbecues to cater for everyone coming along, would be in its 40th year attracting 20,000 people?” said Paul Dean, chairman of St Albans Fireworks Spectacular.

This year’s local charities are Youth Talk, which provides confidential counselling to young people and Open Door, which support people who have experienced homelessness or been at risk of sleeping rough.

Gates open from 6pm with fireworks at 7.30pm.