SATURDAY'S annual fireworks display at Verulamium Park was described by event co-ordinator Tom Dixon as the "best we've ever had".

The event saw a record 23,000 people gather around the lake for a spectacular display which was so powerful it set car alarms off as far away as Fishpool Street.

Mr Dixon said: "It is an excellent venue. People don't think they are being herded together as there is plenty of room for everyone.

"We were delighted because one's aim is to move people away from the idea of holding displays at home."

After costs, Mr Dixon estimates that around £20,000 was raised for this year's charity, Macmillan Cancer Relief.

The company providing the £16,000 worth of pyrotechnics was Redbourn's Fantastic Fireworks. Managing Director John Culverhouse said: "Everybody who saw it thought it absolutely great and we had probably the best spell of weather we have ever had.

"It was a lovely day. Everyone we have spoken to and who has rung us said it was the best display they have ever been to.

"St Albans is one of our premier displays and we insist on using our top designer for it."

Top designer Ian Woodroof, who is also deputy managing director of the company and lives in St Albans, added: "We import fireworks from all over the world from China to Spain to Germany and even some stuff from America.

"They are powered electrically so we don't need to run about amongst them all.

"The biggest firework had a 250mm shell, which is the biggest the site will take without impinging on safety, and has a burst diameter of 100 metres.

"The car alarms would have been set off by a maroon a firework designed to make a loud bang.

"This year I've gone over to using finale fireworks, in particular a silver Kamuro, which is Japanese for little boy's haircut.

"It lets off silver tentacles in the shape of a little boy's head.

"I've been looking for a silver Kamuro for ages but this was the first good one I've found."

Many of the guests at this year's display were from further afield than St Albans, suggesting the event's reputation has grown nationally since it's beginnings 20 years ago.

November 8, 2001 18:30