FOURTY years after Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, Newport village will hold its own unique celebration to commemorate man s conquest of space, with a spectacular fireworks display. The village s annual Guy Fawkes pageant is renowned for its noisy in

FOURTY years after Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, Newport village will hold its own unique celebration to commemorate man's conquest of space, with a spectacular fireworks display.

The village's annual Guy Fawkes pageant is renowned for its noisy interpretation of historical events. Previous displays have included the blowing up Spanish galleons to mark the anniversary of the defeat of the Armada.

This year will be no exception says Tom Archer, managing director of Essex Pyrotechnics, one of the country's premier fireworks display companies, which is based in the village.

The celebration of the moon landing on November 5 at the Newport Recreation Ground will include the construction of a large scale model of the Saturn V rocket which transported Neil Armstrong and his fellow astronauts to the moon landing on July 20, 1969.

Mr Archer is not revealing whether this version of the Saturn V will make it off the ground but promises another thunderous display which will to include "some 20,000 firecrackers".

Proceeds from the event will go to local charities including local scouts and cub packs, St John Ambulance and St Mary the Virgin parish church.

Event manager, Roger Cameron, said: "The Newport Firework Display is the biggest social event in the parish calendar. The event has been held successfully for more than 20 years and attracts approximately 3000 people."

To ease congestion traffic entering Frambury Lane leading to the recreation ground will be restricted from about 5pm, until the end of the display at about 8pm. Access for local residents will be via a one-way system entering Frambury Lane from London Road opposite the Central Garage and exiting via Wicken Road. Access to Cherry Garden Lane will be via Wicken Road.

Spectators in cars will be directed to special parking areas provided at Newport Grammar School, The Potteries in London Road and the Common if weather permits.

"By taking these measures we hope to achieve the maximum enjoyment at the minimum inconvenience to residents living in the local area," added Mr Cameron.

Tickets - priced at �3.50 for adults and �2.50 for children, under the age of 14 - can be purchased ahead of the event at Saffron Walden Tourist Information Office, the White Horse and Coach and Horses public houses in Newport, Newport Club, Newport Village Stores and Newport Post Office.

Tickets bought on the night will cost �4.50 for an adult and �3.50 for a child.

Gates at the Newport Recreation Ground will be open from 6.30pm with the display due to start promptly at 7.30pm.