TONIGHT, Colchester marks one of the country’s most unique holidays as it holds top firework show.

The city skyline is set to become a canvas as the city’s largest fireworks display gets underway this evening.

Thousands of people are expected to show to up to Castle Park to watch the show so here is everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s festivities.

This will be the 51st display organised by King Coel’s Kittens.

The group, which was launched in 1962 to raise cash for people with special needs, will be once again donating the profits from the display to worthy causes.

The Colchester-based group was founded in 1962 by journalist Bill Tucker, when a handful of young people came together to discuss how to raise money to support residents with special needs.

This year marks the 60th year of the organisation raising money to help people across Colchester.

Jacqueline Bowis, chairwoman of King Coel’s Kittens, said: “The group enjoyed their first year of fundraising and decided to continue raising funds for other groups within the local community.

“The group never give money to an organisation or pay for overheads, they always pay for the purchase of tangible items which a number of people within a special group can benefit from.

“Over the years they have organised a number of events from the Christmas tree collection around the streets of Colchester, markets, tiddlywink race, Millenium events in the town, how many people can you get in a mini and supporting the annual carnival.”

To mark their 60th anniversary the group has put aside £25,000 to hand out to good causes.

Each applicant could be awarded up to £2,500.

Volunteers have also been preparing by constructing a more than 8ft tall Guy Fawkes effigy.

Judy Alden, who is one of the original members of King Coel’s Kittens, said the lighting of the bonfire is still relevant today and is an apt way for people to take out their frustrations given the current political climate.

She said: "I think it conjures up all the things we are thinking of – it’s our rebellious side saying we are fed up with the government but we can make up for it with a sense of humour.

"It captures something which I think a lot of us feel – that things aren’t going as they really should be, but hey-ho, at least we’ve got this outlet."

The fireworks display regularly attracts 8,000 people to Castle Park.

This year’s event will take place in Colchester Castle Park, with live entertainment, a Guy Fawkes parade and a bonfire, before the spectacular fireworks display.

The gates will open at 5.30pm, with live entertainment taking place until the parade begins at 7pm. Refreshments will be available in the park in the evening.

No sparklers, laser devices, alcohol, or dogs – except guide dogs, are allowed in the park at the event.

To access the sale of fireworks tickets and the application form for funding, visit the groups’ website at bit.ly/3zj4kSy.