TOWN bosses have teamed up with Middlewich Cricket Club to help Bonfire Night go off with a bang.

The Croxton Lane club hopes to attract more than 1,500 revellers when it hosts its firework display on Saturday.

It is the most important fundraising event of the year for the club which is purely run by volunteers.

Middlewich Town Council already provides an annual grant of £500 to help develop facilities and opportunities for under 16s.

The council has now agreed to offer its resources, contacts and expertise in running festivals to add some spark to the event.

Clr Simon McGrory said: “It was against this background of successful investment on the back of our grant that the council was able to step in and offer help.

“This is the only organised bonfire in the area and it is attended by thousands of people.

“All proceeds raised go directly to the cricket club to help them invest in the equipment, building and the ground and to provide better facilites for all age groups of players.”

Chairman Gavin Tomlinson, 31, told the Guardian that the bonfire and firework display raises around £4,000 for the club.

The event takes around a month to plan and almost 50 people help out on the day.

The Wardle Mews resident added: “Any support is greatly appreciated. It’s our biggest fundraiser and without it we’d struggle year in year out.

“It’s massively important to the club. I’ve played there for 20 years and my dad Geoff’s been there just as long.

“I’ve lived in Middlewich all my life. The club has been a big part of that and I like doing something in return.”

- Tickets for the bonfire and firework display cost £5 (£3 under 16s) or £14 for a family ticket for two adults and two children.

- Gates open at 6pm and food and drink, stalls and children’s rides will be available. The fire will be lit at 7.30pm and the fireworks will be at 8pm.