ALL eyes turned to the skies as colourful pyrotechnics  lit up the Braintree district for the return of Bonfire Night.

November 5 commemorates the thwarting of Guy Fawkes’ plan to blow-up the House of Lords, London in 1605.

Braintree and Witham Times: FIREWORKS SHOW: The display delights crowds in WithamFIREWORKS SHOW: The display delights crowds in Witham (Image: Gemma Burgess)

Three of the biggest displays in the district were at Witham Rugby Club, Halstead Town Football Club and Braintree Rugby Club.

Braintree and Witham Times: ALL SMILES: A happy trio at the Braintree Rugby Club on bonfire nightALL SMILES: A happy trio at the Braintree Rugby Club on bonfire night (Image: Lauren Beney)

Thousands of visitors turned out to watch the shows with the fireworks making the evening skies a remarkable spectacle.

Braintree and Witham Times: BIG BANG: Halstead’s show was a spectacleBIG BANG: Halstead’s show was a spectacle (Image: Halstead Town Football Club)

The events also had ground-based entertainment to enjoy.

Braintree Rugby Club thanked all who attended its “best firework show yet”.

Braintree and Witham Times: WARM UP: The bonfire at Braintree Rugby ClubWARM UP: The bonfire at Braintree Rugby Club (Image: Lauren Beney)

In a statement, the club said: “We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our event last night.

“We feel the display was by far the best we have ever had, thanks to the amazing Fury Fireworks.

Braintree and Witham Times: BOOM TOWN: Colourful fireworks in the Braintree skyBOOM TOWN: Colourful fireworks in the Braintree sky (Image: Lauren Beney)

“We must also offer thank yous to the people who made the event possible - to our band of volunteers who work tirelessly over three days to set up, run and clear up after the event.

"Without this band of helpers, we would not be able to put on the event.

Braintree and Witham Times: DAZZLING DISPLAY: Fireworks light up the Halstead nightDAZZLING DISPLAY: Fireworks light up the Halstead night (Image: Halstead Town Football Club)

“To our Fireworks Committee, who start planning in August, ensuring we have ticked all the necessary boxes to run such an event.

Braintree and Witham Times: HAPPY FACE: Keeping warm on a cold November night in BraintreeHAPPY FACE: Keeping warm on a cold November night in Braintree (Image: Lauren Beney)

“To Patient Focussed Ambulance Service for once again providing our first aid cover, and to Meridian Roadshow for providing the music.

Braintree and Witham Times: EYES TO THE SKY: Volunteers and crowds watching fireworks in HalsteadEYES TO THE SKY: Volunteers and crowds watching fireworks in Halstead (Image: Halstead Town Football Club)

“To our wonderful neighbours near the club for your patience and support.

“And finally, to the man who holds it all together, Neville Potts, who is on site for three days over the event, checking that everyone has done their jobs correctly, and solving any last minute problems, and to his wife June and daughter Sarah for keeping our band of volunteers fed over the three days.”

Halstead Town Football Club also thanked spectators and supporters for their event, which they said was attended by more than 2,000 people.