BONFIRE night might be nearly three weeks away — but that didn’t stop thousands of revellers enjoying a spectacular start to the fireworks season at Bradshaw Cricket Club.

The popular annual display drew a huge crowd who watched on in wonder as the fireworks whizzed, banged and popped in the pitch black sky.

The 20 minute display at the club in Rigby Lane this year featured a musical theme.

A spooky theme emerged with the fireworks being soundtracked by In the Hall of the Mountain King by Edvard Greig, from the play Peer Gynt, better known as the song used by Alton Towers in its advertisements.

As well as the fireworks which took centre stage, there were also refreshments and fairground rides to keep everyone entertained.

Covers band Blue Elephant rocked the crowd before the fireworks, playing songs by The Who and T-Rex.

Mike and Nadine Pincott, from Harwood, brought their two children, Jessica, aged six, and Max, aged three, to the display.

Mr Pincott said: “This was our first time at the Bradshaw fireworks, but it was great. The kids have been frightened of fireworks in the past but they really enjoyed watching them.”

Also wrapped up warm and enjoying the fireworks during the chilly evening was Andrew and Sarah Parkinson.

He said: “I think it is brilliant, we always come and it is something different which brings everyone together.”

Bradshaw Cricket Club has been staging fireworks displays since 1972, and the event it is one of the club’s biggest fundraisers.

Mike Buckley, the event’s organiser and secretary of Bradshaw Cricket Club, said nearly 4,000 people came to enjoy the fireworks.

He said: "It has been one of the most successful events in recent years, we promised a twist on the usual fireworks and I think everyone wanted to see what it would be, and with the musical surprise I don't think anyone was disappointed.

"We don't have the final figures for the amount of money it has raised, but this and the beer festival are our main fundraisers and keep us going through the year."