Rain fails to dampen spirits as crowds enjoy Whangarei fireworks

Rain didn't put a dampener on the Whangarei Lions Club Fireworks Spectacular. Photo/Michael Cunningham

A bit of rain didn't stop thousands of punters from heading along to Whangarei's annual fireworks display.

In fact, the weather may have enhanced the show.

The Whangarei Lions Club Fireworks Spectacular went ahead on Saturday night and despite a few showers about 7000 people headed along to the event at Toll Stadium, compared with about 10,000 the year before.

In the lead-up to the show people were entertained with performances from the Whangarei Academy of Dance and Performing Arts and the band Kurfew.

"It was a successful night, had a couple of minor showers but seeing as we had to make a call on the fireworks in the early afternoon we couldn't have done any better. It was a good crowd," said fireworks committee chairman Merv Williams.

The 20-minute show, which was set to music for the first time this year, was put on by Auckland company Boom Boom Fireworks.

Mr Williams said last night's weather may have enhanced the display as the light from the fireworks bounces off the clouds.

He said the event is the Whangarei Lions Club's biggest fundraiser. Funds left over after paying for costs associated with putting on the display went to community groups, he said.

"We'll be giving some donations straight out, we'll probably be giving close to $10,000 to people who helped on the night, like St John. After that we'll work out benefits to help our community," Mr Williams said.

In previous years the display has helped the club donate to St John Ambulance and Hospice, and has helped pay for scholarships, build the covered picnic area by the sculptures in the Town Basin, and more.

Meanwhile, Northland fire crews attended no major fireworks-related blazes.