Thousands took to their doorsteps to enjoy an amazing free firework and lighting display which lit up the night sky across the whole borough.

The spectacular seven-minute display saw fireworks set off from six undisclosed locations across the borough at 8pm, with residents encouraged to watch from the safety of their homes. It was accompanied by music people could listen to by tuning in to Black Country Radio, and also streamed live on social media.

Dudley Council moved to put on the free event after the popular Himley Bonfire, which attracts up to 20,000 people every year, had to be cancelled for safety reasons due to Covid-19.

Before the fireworks a number of key buildings across the borough were lit up to pay tribute to the work of frontline staff in the fight against coronavirus. They included Russells Hall Hospital, which was illuminated with a spectacular sign thanking the NHS.

Alongside the fireworks and lighting display, the council has also launched a text donation service to help in the fight against Covid-19. Monies donated will be split between Russells Hall Hospital and the Mayor of Dudley’s three chosen charities. They are St John Ambulance Dudley, Victim Support Dudley and Black Country Foodbank, all of whom have been directly involved in the fight against the pandemic. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:

"After the year we have all had, and with the cancellation of the Himley bonfire, we wanted to do something positive to bring a little light into people’s lives. We also wanted to say thank you to the frontline heroes in the NHS and social care, the ones who have put their lives on the line to protect the most vulnerable people in the borough.

"The display was absolutely amazing and it’s been great to hear so many people were able to see it. The positive feedback we have received really does make it all worthwhile."

Members of the public who enjoyed the display are encouraged to donate to very worthy causes through the Council's text donation line. 

To donate text DUDLEY plus the amount you would like to donate to 70450. For example, text DUDLEY 3 to 70450 to donate £3. Texts cost the amount of your donation plus one standard rate message.

Dudley Council would like to thank the following: Russells Hall Hospital; All Saints Church, Sedgley; St Andrew’s Church, Netherton; St Michael’s Church, Brierley Hill; Christ Church, Coseley; Top Church, Dudley; Eve Hill Tower; Mark Butler Golf Academy, Sedgley; Komodo Fireworks; Ian Livie Concert & Corporate Lighting; Dudley Borough Halls; and Nortek Global, Brierley Hill.