The Newport based pyrotechnics company responsible for the bonfire night display at the village’s recreation ground say that more than a ton of fireworks will be used for the performance on November 5.

Essex Pyrotechnics, who are organising 35 displays in and around the county from November 1 to December 11, have more than 25 years of experience in getting oohs and aahs from the watching crowds.

The Newport show, which this year is based on a Star Wars theme, will see more than £10,000 worth of fireworks launched into the air, and owner Tom Archer, who lives in the village, says it is one he always looks forward to.

He said: “Newport is one of our bigger displays, given that it’s our home performance, and one we always enjoy. But I wouldn’t say I had a favourite because we always have different themes, and performances are constantly changing.”

Mr Archer, 55, who also works as an International Fireworks Competition judge, says his love of fireworks started in his own backgarden.

He said: “I used to do shows from my garden, and someone mentioned that I was getting a bigger crowd than the village display and it just went from there.

“I went professional on November 6, 1988 and we now have around 80 people involved with the displays, who receive annual training from us to make sure they haven’t got into bad habits.”

The company regularly perform at the British Firework Championships, and Mr Archer often travels to China to source the best showstopping rockets for his 20-25 minute displays.

He said: “A lot of work goes into the organisation and making sure that everything runs smoothly on the night. We hold discussions with the organisers and find out exactly what they want, and the choreography and displays are then designed from there.”

Mr Archer said that the weather can sometimes put a dampener on proceedings.

He said: “It can be miserable when the rain is falling down, but we can still get the fireworks off. We’ve only ever had one postponement and that was due to the ground at the venue being a quagmire.

“I remember one show we were doing at Potters Bar during a thunderstorm, it made for quite a backdrop to our display.”

As well as fireworks, the company also run training courses at their Cambridgeshire factory site, helping airport security personnel to identify explosive devices, and last year bought the White Horse pub in Newport.

“We felt it was important to save our village pub, which is now freehold. It’s a place where people can go to enjoy themselves and drink cheap beer.”

Information: The Newport display will take place on Thursday, November 5 at the recreation ground and gates open at 6.30pm for the main event at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £4 for adults and £3 for children (Under 12).