Two decades ago, Hampshire was ablaze with spectacular fireworks displays. These annual events drew thousands of residents and visitors alike, creating unforgettable nights filled with light, sound, and community spirit.

Thousands gathered in the heart of Winchester for the annual Round Table Guy Fawkes' Night fireworks display.

The High Street was illuminated by a sea of faces as excited revellers made their way to the Guildhall, eager to witness the festivities in November 2004.

The day's events included a creative guy competition and a lively parade by the West End Carnival Show Band.

As darkness fell, the crowd migrated to the North Walls recreation ground, where a colossal bonfire was ignited, followed by a breathtaking pyrotechnic display that captivated the audience for nearly half an hour.

The Round Table, a charitable organization, raised an impressive £21,000 from donations and program sales, a £1,000 increase from the previous year.

These funds were earmarked for local community initiatives in and around Winchester.

Angus Best, the Round Table Bonfire chairman at the time, expressed his satisfaction with the event's success. He aid, "We are very pleased. The event itself was really good, the fire was huge and the fireworks made for a fantastic display. I have never seen so many people at this event."

That same year, Beaulieu was ablaze with a spectacular fireworks display that drew an estimated 10,000 visitors to the National Motor Museum.

The event, sponsored by the Daily Echo, was a visual and auditory feast, featuring a 20-minute pyrotechnic extravaganza synchronised to iconic Hollywood film scores.

Margaret Rowles, a museum spokesperson at the time, recalled the event fondly. "It was a great night, but we were very lucky with the weather. There was a fantastic atmosphere during the event."

As we look back, we can appreciate the joy and excitement fireworks brought to thousands of  local people.