THOUSANDS of drenched spectators braved torrential rain and blustery winds to watch a spectacular fireworks display light up the sky above Cassiobury Park last night.

Families and groups of friends sheltered under umbrellas eager not to let the inclement weather destroy the annual event, which was as spectacular as ever.

The footpaths around the park were jam-packed with people, dressed head to toe in winter woolies, wellies and rain macs, clambering to find a spot in front of the huge bonfire to watch the show.

And it seemed the miserable weather failed to dampen the spirits of the excited crowd whose cheers boomed across the park as the first fireworks were launched into the sky.

The gasps of appreciation followed as the rockets exploded, and sent loud cracks echoing across the park as they filled the sky with bursts of illuminous colour.

Hundreds of fireworks were lit during the 30-minute display which left a smokey cloud hovering above the park.

The crowd erupted into a round of applause as the final batch of rockets were sent hurtling into the sky creating a blanket of colour above the park.

Unfortunately soaked spectators did not stay around long after the dazzling show came to a close. A quick dash was made to the exits as people scrambled to escape the downpours.