THOUSANDS of people are expected to flock to Rodney Parade today as one of Newport’s biggest fireworks displays returns.

Last year, the ‘Fireworks Night’ returned to the venue following a 10-year absence, attracting around 5,000 visitors and showcasing Brit Award nominees Stooshe ahead of the display.

On Thursday, November 3, organisers are expecting the same explosive response, increasing capacity with 10,000 available tickets and offering a wide selection of family-friendly fun.

Cwmbran-based Pyrotechnic specialists Pendragon Fireworks, will also return as the display producers, weaving imagination, colour and symmetry over Newport’s skyline with their 20-minute show.

Nation Radio will host the event with Carl and Rachel from the ‘Big Welsh Wake Up’ with several confirmed artists providing live entertainment.

Joey Devries, X-Factor's Jake Burrows and X-factor finalist / I’m a Celebrity runner-up Jake Quickenden will also perform and Nation Radio’s street team will be on hand on the night, running giveaways and competitions.

Amusements, food and drinks stalls will also cater to visitors and gates will open at 5pm for a 7pm start.

Early bird tickets are priced at £6 per adult, £2.50 per child and £12 for a family ticket (two adults and two children) and this offer will end at 12noon today.

Following this, tickets will be priced at £8.50 per adult, £4 per child and family tickets will be priced at £17.

Commercial Director at Newport’s Gwent Dragons, Pete Grzonka, said that the display is "on target" to exceed last year’s ticket sales.

“Last year the weather was absolutely miserable for around four days before and after but it certainly didn’t stop a good display,” he said.

"It’s going to be a great firework display but more than that it’s going to be a big event and a couple of hours of fantastic entertainment."

No glass or sparklers will be allowed in the grounds and appropriate footwear is advised.

For more information, contact the Rodney Parade Ticket Office on 01633674990 during opening hours (Monday- Friday, 9am – 5pm or Saturday, 9am – 1pm).

Alternatively, visit www.newportgwentdragons.com/tickets.

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Other events on Thursday and Friday are listed below.

NEWPORT

Tredegar Park Golf Club Firework

Display Where: Tredegar Park Golf Club, Parc-y-brain Road, Rogerstone, NP10 9TG

When: November 4 between 6:00pm to 9:30pm

How much: £15 per car

Contact:secretary@tredegarparkgolfclub.co.uk 01633 894433

BLAENAU GWENT

Where: Eugene Cross Park

When: Friday, November 4 at 7.30pm.

How much: Single ticket (£3), Family ticket (£10) in advance. £4 per person on the gate.

For over 20 years the annual fireworks display at Eugene Cross Park has helped many charities, raising over £30,000 during this period.

This year the event is set to be “bigger and better than ever” with entertainment, DJs and celebrity host Jagger and Woody of Heart Radio.

Money raised will go towards local worthy causes and tickets are available from several outlets including Ebbw Bale Police Station and several businesses in Blaenau Gwent.

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CAERPHILLY

Blackwood Rugby Club Fireworks Display

Where: Glan-Yr-Afon Park

When: Friday November 4 at 7pm

How much: £3 for adults and £2 for children

Blackwood are hosting a fireworks display on Friday November 4.

Organised by Blackwood Rugby Club, the showcase at Glan-Yr-Afon will start at 7pm with the gates opening an hour before.

Burgers, hotdogs and refreshments will also be available at reasonable prices.

Email blackwoodrfc@hotmail.com or call 01495 223206 to find out more.

Bargoed Fireworks Display.

Where: Hanbury Road Car Park, Bargoed.

When: Friday, November 4 at 6.30pm.

How much: Free admission.

The event closes at 8pm and free childrens rides will be available from 6.15pm.

No alcohol or sparklers are permitted on site and refreshments will be available from a catering unit.

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For more information on firework displays this weekend, read our It's the Weekend supplement in the Argus on Saturday, November 5.