Organisers of this year’s Christchurch Park firework display have confirmed that people dressed as clowns will be refused entry, following a spate of sightings in Suffolk.
The ‘killer clown’ craze has been sweeping across the county where people dress as clowns and attempt to frighten people.
And after reports in recent weeks of sightings in Ipswich and Felixstowe, organisers confirmed it would not tolerate people’s attempts to disturb the family-friendly event.
Ollie Arthur, of the 11th Ipswich Scout Group which organises the event, said: “Due to the recent clown craze, which has caused distress to many people, we have taken the stance to ask visitors to the fireworks display in Christchurch Park to refrain from wearing such costumes.
“The organisers are committed to providing a safe and family friendly event and wish to avoid any unnecessary distress to our customers.”
Saturday’s event has a packed programme lined up including a Horrible Histories-style comedy theatre production The Catesby Catastrophe, which details the foiled Gunpowder Plot story, as well as dance performance by Just Jay, world-renowned Mr Bean impersonation Mr Has Bean, Emma Dodd performing arts school and the Suffolk School of Samba.
Bars, food stalls and a funfair will also be open from 6pm, with the fireworks display set for 8pm.
Elsewhere, Kesgrave High School will once again be the venue for the town’s fireworks, opening at 4pm ahead of the 6.30pm display by Kimbolton – the firm behind the fireworks at the London 2012 ceremonies.
Families can enjoy live music from Kesgrave High School bands, face painting, games and balloon art.
Tickets are £2 for children and £5 for adults, available from Kesgrave Town Council, The Bell Inn and the 2nd Stop Charity Shop next to Tesco.
Organiser Debbie McCallum said: “We’re looking forward to it. We are hoping it won’t rain like last year but it sold out then and Kimbolton know how to do a good fireworks show.”
Elsewhere, events will take place at the Millennium Green in Sproughton from 7pm on Friday and the St John’s Family Fireworks at Ransomes Sports and Social Club, Sidegate Lane, from 6.15pm the same evening.
•For more firework displays see our Suffolk bonfire night listings here
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