It will be all eyes to the skies on Saturday as Loughborough Students Rag light up the heavens with the annual bonfire and fireworks display, one of the most popular events in the town's calendar.

Organised by the students themselves and with a £3,000 sponsorship from AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, this year's display will be the longest yet and promises to be both spectacular and colourful. In addition to the fireworks fiesta, a fair will be present with dodgems, Waltzer and helter-skelter as well as the usual side shows. There will also be food outlets and a bar and stalls selling fun items for the children and the ever-popular toffee apples.

This is the sixth year AstraZeneca has sponsored the event and Mandy Stace, Rag Chair of the Union, said it is this constant support from the local company which allows the Union to stage a wonderful fireworks extravaganza every year which attracts around 10,000 visitors and raises thousands of pounds towards the Students Union Rag Appeal. Each year, the Appeal, which supports several local charities, totals nearly a quarter of a million pounds, double the amount raised by any other University Rag Appeal.

â__The event is set to be fantastic and we hope it will be just as successful as in past years. It is organised by Loughborough Students who freely give their time to raise money for local charities and to give something back to the community they live in,â_? said Mandy Stace.

Gill Hilsdon, Public Relations Manager for AstraZeneca, said that the yearly fireworks show is always popular and not only raises much needed cash but also provides a great deal of enjoyment for local people. AstraZeneca was pleased to support such a worthwhile event, she said.

Gates open on Saturday at 6pm with the bonfire being lit at 7pm and the first firework due to reach up into the night sky at 7.30pm. Admission for adults is £2.50 while the charge for accompanied children is 50p.

Ends