“Community Spirit Shines at King Coel’s Kittens Fireworks Spectacular 2025

Local volunteers manage 9,000+ visitors safely at Colchester’s biggest fireworks night

Colchester, 5 November 2025 - Once again, community spirit was on full display at this year’s King Coel’s Kittens Fireworks Spectacular in Castle Park, Colchester. The much-loved charity event, organised by Jacqueline Bowis, supports King Coel’s Kittens, a local charity dedicated to helping people with disabilities.

For the third consecutive year, a team led by Udaibahadur Gurung MBE from CDCN supported the event by managing the three main entry gates to Castle Park. Between 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm, the team successfully coordinated the smooth and safe entry of more than 9,000 visitors, ensuring everyone enjoyed the evening in a secure and welcoming environment. A collaborative community effort

This year’s crowd management was made possible through the collaboration of dedicated volunteers, including:

Seven people from Racheal Njuguna and Busiswa Madikaji from Colchester Life in the UK CIC

Malik Ali, his wife, and Newlove Egbenuake from RAMA

Three University of Essex students (a Nepali and two Indians)

Captain Umesh Kumar Pun MVO, proprietor of Gurkha Britannia, and his family of three

Seven senior citizens from Abbeygate House

Their commitment and teamwork ensured the operation ran efficiently and safely throughout the evening. Additional support from Zed Security helped maintain controlled access to the park as many non-ticket holders gathered near the War Memorial hoping to glimpse the display.

A night to remember

The fireworks display began promptly at 7:29 pm and dazzled the Colchester sky for nearly 20 minutes, filling it with vibrant colours and spectacular effects. Some members of the safety team were able to enjoy the show after their duties, a well-earned reward for their efforts.

Following the event, organiser Jacqueline Bowis expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt message, praising the team’s professionalism, calm coordination, and dedication to community service.

Looking ahead to 2026

Reflecting on the event, Udaibahadur Gurung MBE said: “It’s always a privilege to support King Coel’s Kittens and to see how our diverse local community comes together to make this event a success. Everyone played their part, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

Plans are already underway to continue this tradition next year, with the team set to return for the King Coel’s Kittens Fireworks Spectacular 2026 on Wednesday, 4 November.

Until then, the organisers extend their thanks to all volunteers, participants, and supporters who made 2025 another safe, joyful, and memorable evening for Colchester.

Udaibahadur Gurung MBE,

Chair/Trustee,

Colchester Diverse Communities Network (CDCN)