Thousands turned out in Blackburn for the annual Bonfire night at Witton Park, though many people were stuck outside the park due to queuing issues.

The event on Saturday night attracted people from across the borough, and as well as a funfair and bonfire, attendees were treated to a spectacular firework display.

With the unseasonably mild weather, it appeared crowds were up on last year with Preston Old Road and the entrance to Witton Park in gridlock for long periods.

Long queues greeted visitors on the main road but entry to the site was relatively quick with people waiting no more than five to 10 minutes.

The fireworks display, normally timed for around 8pm, took place at 7.30pm when some people still making their way to the park due to the traffic.

Organisers had allocated parking spots at Witton Park and Pleasington for attendees.

The mountain of pallets on Saturday

In these amazing images, James Lee Newton photographed the bonfire earlier in the day.

His images captured the mountain of pallets which were due to be lit at 7pm as part of the annual commemoration of Guy Fawkes' failed gunpowder plot.

James said: “Ava was so amazed with the size of the built fire the biggest fire she has seen and wanted her Daddy to take a drone picture of it and said daddy you can post it to Lancashire Telegraph.

“Ava loves Witton Park has she thinks it's a great place to have fun. She is also always ask to go to the parks in Blackburn and Darwen has sometimes she loves to do litter picking to keep the parks clean and tidy.”

Ava enjoying the playground in the park 

The annual bonfire raises thousands for local charities

Earlier in the week organisers had put a call out to for residents to bring any spare pallets and wood to the site.

The bonfire is put on thanks to the efforts of the Blackburn Round Table, Blackburn Lions, Blackburn Rotary Club and the 41 Club.

Sponsors this year included Blackburn with Darwen Council, Witton Park Academy, Parkinson Signs and Adhan Group Property Rentals.