Oxford Round Table’s 56th Annual Charity Fireworks Display Successfully Concluded
Oxford residents enjoyed a display of fireworks dancing to the music in the night sky
The 56th Oxford Round Table Fireworks Display was held on November 2nd in South Park, organized by the Oxford Round Table Charity Organization. This year’s event cancelled the traditional bonfire for the first time, with an organizer stating, “We wanted to ensure the park and surrounding community were less impacted.” Nevertheless, the event remained vibrant, featuring the UK champion fireworks team, Illusion Fireworks. One spectator noted, “This was the best display I’ve ever seen in Oxford, truly a night to remember,” as the team delivered their largest show to date, accompanied by live music from GetRadio. It is reported that all proceeds from this event will be used to support local charities and community projects.
The tradition of the Oxford Round Table Fireworks Display dates back to the famous “Guy Fawkes Night” of 1605, a celebration of the exposure of the “Gunpowder Plot,” when people lit bonfires and set off fireworks to celebrate the foiling of the plot. An attendee commented, “It’s amazing to see how this centuries-old tradition has evolved, now bringing the entire Oxford community together.” Over 400 years later, this tradition continues across the UK, with events typically held around the significant date of November 5th. The origins of the fireworks night in the Oxford area are relatively recent, having begun about fifty-six years ago. It has now become an important autumn highlight between Halloween and Christmas in the Oxford region.
The event started with entry at 4:30 PM, featuring various food stalls, a beverage bar area, and an amusement area offering classic carnival games, rides, and family entertainment activities. The fireworks display officially began at 7:15 PM and lasted for approximately twenty minutes. At the beginning of the fireworks display, accompanied by soothing music, the audience was captivated by the changing shapes and vibrant colors of the fireworks. As one family said, “The kids were absolutely mesmerized—it was magical.” As the music reached its climax, almost with every note, a firework burst in the sky, leaving the spectators dazzled and constantly in awe. It can be said that within the twenty minutes, each stunning 3D display presented in the sky brought joy to the audience, creating a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere throughout the venue. The performance concluded perfectly amidst the applause of the spectators.
Video author: Gu Qiuyang
After the fireworks display concluded, an on-site interview with staff revealed that the pop music inside the venue would continue playing until 9:30 PM to ensure an orderly exit for the audience. A staff member explained, “We’re dedicated to making sure everyone leaves safely and can enjoy the night until the very end.” Given that approximately 20,000 people attended last year, this year’s estimated attendance was similar. Therefore, the organizers prioritized crowd management to ensure that all participants enjoyed a safe and pleasant experience. Volunteers commented that the teamwork was “exceptional,” with on-site staff providing crucial support by actively assisting with the event flow and guiding audience movement.
According to on-site estimates, more than half of the audience came to participate in the event as families. Random interviews indicated that families attending the event hoped it would become a wonderful and unforgettable family day experience. In addition to local families, the audience also included some students from the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University, and local young people. As of now, the specific amount raised has not yet been published. The Oxford South Park fireworks event has consistently raised substantial funds for local charities over the years. In recent years, the events have collectively raised over £150,000, with this amount achieved in just the years 2021 to 2023.