The reimagined St Albans fireworks display gave a record amount to charity after the community rallied round a crowdfunding campaign.

Herts Advertiser: Drone footage of St Albans Cathedral fireworks by Robin Hamman.Drone footage of St Albans Cathedral fireworks by Robin Hamman. (Image: Archant)

On Saturday, November 7, the sky was lit up with a stunning firework display organised by a volunteer committee at St Albans Cathedral.

Look Up Together was a 10-minute simultaneous display, from secret sites across the city, which wowed people from their homes.

The annual event, which usually attracts up to 20,000 people to Verulamium Park, was reimagined this year due to the pandemic, and following a successful crowdfunding campaign, a record £30,000 has been given to the nominated charities.

Paul Dean of St Albans Cathedral said: “Last year’s event was a wash out, meaning we couldn’t give any money to charity, so to be able to donate a record amount in such a challenging year for us all, has been truly fabulous.”

Herts Advertiser: The Cathedral firework display raised a record amount of money for charities including the Hospice of St Francis. Lucy Hume is pictured. Picture: St Albans CathedralThe Cathedral firework display raised a record amount of money for charities including the Hospice of St Francis. Lucy Hume is pictured. Picture: St Albans Cathedral (Image: Archant)

Joint fundraising director Lucy Hume of the Hospice of St Francis said: “We are absolutely blown away by this generosity, thank you so much! We would like to send our most heartfelt thanks to each and every resident of St Albans for their incredible support.

“This year has been so challenging for us all, but we are simply delighted to have been part of such an innovative event, spreading much needed joy and celebration! We are facing the biggest reduction in income in our 40-year history, but your donations will mean no patient will die alone and no carer will be left isolated this winter – thank you.”

Chief executive at Youth Talk David Barker said: “We are truly blown away with the generosity of our local community who donated to this year’s firework spectacular. The money raised will make a huge difference to the work of our local charity and help us to continue to offer our vital service to young people across the district who need support with their mental health - thank you!”

Herts Advertiser: The Cathedral firework display raised a record amount of money for charities including Youth Talk. David Barker is pictured. Picture: St Albans CathedralThe Cathedral firework display raised a record amount of money for charities including Youth Talk. David Barker is pictured. Picture: St Albans Cathedral (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: Tracy Mehmet's children enjoying the socially distanced firework display in Foxcroft.Tracy Mehmet's children enjoying the socially distanced firework display in Foxcroft. (Image: Archant)