Anger over Southampton fireworks at Mayflower Park

Tony Jackson, 35, was among the thousands of people who flocked to Mayflower Park to watch the Southampton Family Fireworks display on Saturday.

A ‘Disney disco fireworks display’ was promised but what ensued was a ‘barely visible’ display with no music.

Organisers dispute this and argue they had to be mindful of surrounding residents and businesses, labelling the event a "resounding success".

Tony attended with his partner and two children, his brother-in-law and his two children, and his father-in-law, with tickets costing £97.

Tony Jackson says he will not be attending the Mayflower fireworks again (Image: Tony Jackson)

The father-of-two from Southampton has now vowed to never return.

Tony said: “When the countdown for the fireworks started, everyone was looking towards the centre of the park as that is where the fireworks are normally set off from.

“But the fireworks were set off from behind the trees.

“Everyone then ran through the barricades, bundling to the front to try and see.

“We couldn’t go anywhere, so we just stayed at the back.

“The Disney side of it did not happen, we did not hear any Disney music.

“Nobody at the event told us where the fireworks would be set off from, not once was it mentioned.

“Everybody bulldozed over the barricades to watch, it was dangerous.

The Mayflower fireworks on November 2 (Image: Michael Vaughan)

“People were running around to try and get a decent view.”

READ MORE: Photos show Hampshire firework fun from two decades ago

Tony said he spent £97 on tickets for seven people, with his daughter going for free as she is under the age of five.

He described the pricing as “atrocious”, adding: “It’s difficult as you don’t want to ask for a refund as you know the event supported charities, but we got nothing in return as we could not see the fireworks.”

Event organiser Gary Bennetton said some aspects “didn’t go as well as we hoped” despite the efforts of volunteers.

He said: “There was Disney music, but we acknowledge that the audio was quieter in some locations as we had to be mindful of residents and neighbouring businesses.

“The site was a large oval shape, offering plenty of room to view the fireworks from other vantage points.

“We do accept that some fireworks were launched at a lower level, making them harder to view for some people.

“Thankfully, 99.9 per cent of the 9,000-strong audience had a great time, and we raised thousands of pounds for the Southampton Roundtable.

“In our eyes, the event was a resounding success. We apologise to those who feel we got it wrong and, of course, welcome any constructive feedback to improve for next year."