Ripley Round-up: Large Gathering Enjoy Village Fireworks

Published on: 22 Nov, 2017
Updated on: 23 Jul, 2020

By Chris Dick

Ripley fireworks

I’ve been going to the Ripley Firework Night for over 35 years and believe I am right when I say I’ve never seen so many people at this annual event. Attendance was probably helped by the weather: it was a clear and slightly windy night [Sounds like the start of a bad novel. Ed].

The event took place on the evening of October 28, with crowds gathering early for an afternoon of festivities and fairground attractions. It was clear that numbers were up on previous years probably because so many nearby events such as the Effingham and Leatherhead fireworks had been cancelled.

Crowd at Ripley fireworks

The Ripley event ran to time with an informal efficiency and with the usual friendly atmosphere we are all used to. A band marched and showed off their skills ahead of the carnival floats and the firework queen paraded through the village, followed by other floats around a hundred torchbearers.

Sparks fly at Ripley fireworks

They lit the bonfire, which leapt into life with a mini firework display of its own. The heat soon pushed the crowd back and many having to exert a little common sense to avoid the flying cinders.

Then the main event. Bang on time, the free firework display got underway. It is fair to say that, outside of the New Years Eve London display, Ripley really does put on an amazing show.

The bonfire boys collected donations before and after the event and initial reports say that it was a good year for the various groups in the village that benefit from the profits. If any reader could let us know how much was raised, for local village charities and groups, that would be great.

Ripley Cricket Club

On Friday, November 3, a party was held at Ripley Cricket Club for those involved in that and other money raising events that had taken place over the summer. They presented MacMillan Cancer Support with a cheque for £10,327.

There will be the usual Ripley Christmas Fair on 3 December at 12:00 – 16:00. This event has always been successful in previous years and proved to be a good place to pick up some inexpensive Christmas presents.

Ripley Christmas Fair

Ripley Farmers Market

Following our report on the sombre two-minute silence on Armistice Day at the Ripley Farmers Market on November 11, the next market is on December 9, 09:00 – 13:00 hours. Let’s hope for a little less rain for this event.

RHS Wisley

According to the RHS Wisley website their Christmas Glow, which we attended last year and thoroughly enjoyed, is back for its third year, promising to be bigger, brighter and better than ever before.

As the website says: “It runs from 1 December 2017 – 3 January 2018, it will bring the winter evenings alive with fantastical giant flowers, dramatic installations and brilliant illuminated trees.

“Wander the trail to see the light playing on our iconic trees, floating installations creating rippling reflections on the water, and stunning views of the Laboratory reflected in the Jellicoe Canal.”

And for those who cannot wait there is a free Christmas Glow preview evening is on Thursday, November 30 from 5.30 – 7.30pm for a spectacular exclusive preview of Christmas Glow. This preview is limited to ticket holders who have registered.