When a little girl was badly injured in a fireworks accident 37 years ago, the Rotary Club of Christchurch decided to take action.

Together with Christchurch Round Table, the charity organised a family-friendly, safe, community fireworks display.

That was in 1976, and the event has been going strong ever since.

Now organised solely by the Rotary Club of Christchurch, the operator-controlled display at Stanpit Recreation Ground remains community-focused, with all money raised from the annual event going back to the local residents.

Rotary club secretary James Morton said: “We try to keep the admission down so that everyone can be a part of it.

“It’s also a fundraising event and all the money that we raise goes back to the young people in Christchurch.

“It’s not any particular project, we’ve helped all sorts of different youth organisations over the years.”

The event also gives local community groups the chance to run their own novelty or food stalls, in return for a pitch fee, with money they make going back to their own organisation.

“I always say the fireworks is a win, win, win situation,” said James.

See a list of bonfire night celebrations across Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset here

Another long-running event is that at the Butcher’s Coppice Scout Camp in Bearcross, which is now in its 20th year.

Initially organised by the 8th Bournemouth Scout Group in Kinson in 1994, the event has grown “beyond belief” in the last two decades.

“It now attracts thousands and raises a significant sum for Scout groups in Bournemouth and Poole as well as other local community organisations like GirlGuiding, Wessex Helpline and Lifeguards,” said organiser Darren Gilbert, district commissioner for Bournemouth Scouts.

“The traditional fireworks display is aimed at families with plenty of games, activities, competitions and refreshments for all ages without leaving a hole in your pocket.”

This year’s display also boasts archery, a gladiator challenge, children’s rides, inflatables, side shows, stalls and competitions as well as refreshments and a barbecue.

There is also a free-to-enter Guy competition judged by the Mayor of Bournemouth.

The biggest event in the south takes place at Littledown Centre in Bournemouth, which is now in its 14th year and includes three displays.

Last year’s Halloween spectacular theme was so popular that event organisers are promising an even bigger and spookier night for 2013.

“Last year we gave the event a Halloween theme and we were amazed by the response,” said Philip Watkins, one of the event organisers.

“We built a spooky woodland walk that was very popular. Let’s just say there were a number of surprises along the way.

“This year we are planning an even bigger and scarier walk.

“Amazingly it wasn’t the children who were heard screaming in the woodland walk, it was the grown-ups!”

The event, which raises money for a host of nominated charities, including Bournemouth Hospital, will also feature a fancy dress parade and giant funfair with the obligatory ghost train.

  • This year’s Christchurch Community Bonfire and Fireworks takes place today (Saturday). Gates open at 5pm with the bonfire lit at 6pm and the Gugge Band striking up at 7pm.

A model helicopter stunt display will be followed by the fireworks at 7.45pm and the Gugge Band will play again at 8.30pm.

Admission is £5 for adults and £2 for children.

Bournemouth’s Traditional Family Fireworks Display and Bonfire takes place today at Butcher’s Coppice Scout Camp in Bear Cross, Bournemouth.

Gates open at 5.30pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6pm, with a Guy competition at 7pm, followed by the display at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced £10 per family (to include two adults and up to four children) £4 for adults and £2 for youths under 18.

Free parking is available at Oakmead College of Technology and at Elmrise Primary School.

If postponed the display will take place tomorrow(Sunday).

The Halloween Spooktacular event at Littledown this evening features displays at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm. Gates open at 5.30pm and tickets are priced £7 for adults and £5 for children, with under threes free.