A SPECTACULAR display of effervescent fireworks is set to explode over St Albans Abbey on Saturday night.

The show, which is believed to be one of the most magnificent in the country, comprises £16,000 worth of top quality fireworks from the internationally renowned Firework Factory.

Organisers from the abbey promise the Verulamium Park show will be the best in its 20-year history and between 15,000 and 20,000 people are expected to attend.

A funfair, Mercury Radio's Roadshow and food and drink stalls will keep visitors entertained from 6pm onwards.

Stars from this year's pantomime The Wizard Of Oz, including James McCourt from The Disney Channel, will launch the first fireworks at 7.30pm.

Event co-ordinator Graham Dixon said: "People should get there in plenty of time it will be busy.

"It gets bigger every year and it will be even more spectacular than last year."

Profits from the display, which amounted to £18,000 last year, go to charity.

This year's chosen recipient is the MacMillan Cancer Relief fund.

Admission is £3 for adults, £1 for children and £7 for families and parking in the area is free.

Meanwhile, many communities are organising firework displays throughout the district.

The Jersey Farm Recreational Association is holding an exhibition at the ward's recreation ground near Woodland Park on Saturday night.

A party gets under way at 5.30pm, before the display starts at 7pm and tickets are £3 for adults or £1 for children.

Anyone with spare fence posts or wood chippings is asked to bring them along for a bonfire.

London Colney's sky will also burst with colour during the local Scouts' show on Saturday night at 7.30pm.

There will also be a barbecue at the £1,400 event at the Morris Playing Fields in Whitehorse Lane.

Admission is free but donations in aid of the scouts are welcomed.

Flamstead JMI School is hosting a firework display and barbecue at its premises in Trowley Hill Road next Saturday, November 10.

Gates will open at 5pm for a 5.30pm start and admission is £3 for adults or £2 for children.

A guy competition will be held at a firework show at the Charles Morris Memorial Hall in Tyttenhanger Green, Colney Heath, at 6pm on Saturday.

On Friday night, St Mark's Church is presenting its tenth annual display behind the church centre in Church Lane, Colney Heath, at 6.15pm.

Food will be provided at the event and admission is free for pre-schoolers, £1 for children up to 14 and £2 for people aged 15 and over.

November 6, 2001 10:30