Guildford Lions Club would like to express its thanks to the public for the magnificent support they provided last Saturday night at the Charity Fireworks Fiesta at Stoke Park.

Despite the dire predictions of the weather forecasters, which thankfully proved to be wrong, the public turned out in their thousands and contributed generously via the collecting buckets of the many volunteer collectors.

An estimated 18,000 people attended the event and for the first time ever we sold all available torches on sale in the High St prior to the procession.

As ever the torchlight procession was an amazing sight snaking all the way from the Guildhall towards Stoke Park and the firework display was spectacular and was followed by a grand finale sponsored by Memset Ltd.

The club would like to record its gratitude to the sponsors of the event — Memset Ltd, Lloyds TSB Commercial, Earlex Ltd, 96.4 Eagle Radio, the Surrey Advertiser and Guildford Borough Council as without their help and support it would not be possible to continue this important local community event.

We collected £22,759 on the night which is an increase of £1,000 over last year and in addition there will be a contribution from Lloyds Bank TSB Commercial which is yet to be confirmed. We can therefore confirm our three nominated charities, the Prostate Project, Guildford Action and the Surrey Air Ambulance plus the Guildford Lions Club Welfare Fund will all receive substantial donations.

We will announce the final result as soon as possible and would like to confirm that 100% of the profit from the evening will be used to support local good causes with no monies being directed to Club administration costs etc.

Bill Blake

President, Guildford Lions Club