Shining Lights: Thousands enjoy '˜amazing' Bexhill firework display

Fireworks lit up the sky above Bexhill on Sunday evening.
Bexhill's Shining Lights firework event. Photo by Jeff Penfold. SUS-181114-094153001Bexhill's Shining Lights firework event. Photo by Jeff Penfold. SUS-181114-094153001
Bexhill's Shining Lights firework event. Photo by Jeff Penfold. SUS-181114-094153001

Thousands of people turned out to watch the annual display at Galley Hill, on Sunday (November 11), with many later taking to social media to describe it as ‘amazing’ and ‘emotional’.

The event had originally been planned for November 4 but was changed to November 11 at the last minute. As a result, organisers Shining Lights decided to make the event an unofficial commemoration to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Director of Shining Lights, Michael Matthews, said: “Around 4-5,000 people attended the event, which is impressive considering the weather. It was an absolutely amazing night, and so many people have since told us how much they loved the display.

Bexhill's Shining Lights firework event. Mark Burford who marched around the event site on stilts in a great patriotic costume adorned with 100 poppies. Photo by Jeff Penfold. SUS-181114-094142001Bexhill's Shining Lights firework event. Mark Burford who marched around the event site on stilts in a great patriotic costume adorned with 100 poppies. Photo by Jeff Penfold. SUS-181114-094142001
Bexhill's Shining Lights firework event. Mark Burford who marched around the event site on stilts in a great patriotic costume adorned with 100 poppies. Photo by Jeff Penfold. SUS-181114-094142001

“A video of the fireworks has been all over social media, and is now being watched across the world, in Europe, New Zealand and America.

“We’re so thankful for the support of the Bexhill public, who have been truly amazing.”

There were some fears the annual event would have to be cancelled this year – however, the town rallied around to get it up and running. Despite this, the stress took its toll on fellow Shining Lights director Anna Beale, who has now decided to step down from the role.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a post on the group’s Facebook page, Michael said: “It is with great sadness to inform everyone that due to the pressures of what has gone on and family commitments, Anna Beale has chosen to resign her position in the company. Both Jeff Penfold, our health and safety consultant, and myself really do thank Anna for everything she has done for the company.

Bexhill's Shining Lights firework event. Photo by Jeff Penfold. SUS-181114-094117001Bexhill's Shining Lights firework event. Photo by Jeff Penfold. SUS-181114-094117001
Bexhill's Shining Lights firework event. Photo by Jeff Penfold. SUS-181114-094117001

“We would both like to wish Anna all the best for the future in whatever she does. Anna will still stay in touch with us and offer her good advice and calming and professional influence to assist us.”

Money raised by Shining Lights is reinvested towards the cost of Christmas lights for Bexhill. To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/shining-lights-bexhill-ltd.

Michael is now looking to form a committee to run the company. He asks that anyone interested in being involved contact him via the Shining Lights Facebook page.

Read more: