As autumn approaches and this year’s long hot summer fades, preparations are underway for bonfire night in Cambridge.

The free event, on November 5, is organised by Cambridge City Council and Cambridge Live, and is one of the largest free displays in the county.

It is regarded as one of the city’s longest running and best-loved traditions and spectators flock to Midsummer Common to watch as the night sky is transformed into a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colour. And this year’s compere for the evening is BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenter, Jeremy Sallis.

Cambridge City Council’s, Anna Smith, said: “The bonfire night display and fun fair has always been a highlight of the Cambridge year for me, and I know this is the case for many other local residents. I’m especially excited to see fireworks from a company with such an interesting long history. It’s also great to see so many local businesses supporting the event.”

Designing this year’s display is multi-award winning company, Pains Fireworks who have been flag bearers for professional firework displays for almost 200 years.

Spokesperson, Tom Cranmer, said: “The display will be a fantastic, traditional firework show that will spectacularly mark the annual bonfire night celebrations in Cambridge. The display will be full of a variety of colours and effects as we celebrate this famous moment in British history. Events in Cambridge bring together people from a variety of different multicultural backgrounds and our vision is to deliver a variety of beautiful effects coupled with intense and co-ordinated colours that show great artistry and imagination throughout the display.”

There will be a bonfire, food stalls and fairground rides, from 6pm–10pm, and the first rocket will be launched at 7pm followed by the lighting of the bonfire.

Large numbers of people are anticipated, so allow plenty of time for your journey, arrive early and wherever possible walk, cycle, or use public transport. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk.