Families heading to Norwich's annual fireworks spectacular at Earlham Park have been urged to use public transport to get to the event.

Bosses at Norwich City Council said there will be no public parking available at this year's Sparks in the Park event, apart from for blue badge holders.

City Hall's events team officers encouraged people to leave their cars at home and to instead head to the popular event, which this year is on Guy Fawkes Night itself - Saturday, November 5 - by bus, bicycle or on foot.

Extra buses will be laid on, while there will be spaces for people to lock up their bicycles on the University of East Anglia campus outside Congregation Hall.

Tickets for Sparks in the Park went on sale today and people who buy tickets in advance can save money on their bus trip by showing them to bus drivers.

There will be two fireworks displays on the night, one for children at 6.30pm and then the 'Big Bang' display at 8pm.

The event will also feature a funfair, bonfires, including the burning of the Guy and live music.

Helen Selleck, events manager at Norwich City Council, which organises Sparks In The Park, said: 'The Big Bang fireworks will be exactly that - a really fantastic display to wow the crowds.

'But so the little ones aren't left out, we've got a less noisy, but no less colourful, display earlier on, so there is something for everyone.'

She urged people to take advantage of cheaper prices for tickets bought in advance, which can be used to get a reduced bus return fare on the First buses 25/35 route of �2.50 for adults and �1 for children.

She said: 'We've been working really closely with local bus companies to make sure as many people as possible can take advantage of great prices to get to the event, as well as doing their bit for the environment.'

Thickthorn Park and Ride, operated by Konect bus, will run from 5pm to 10pm. It costs �2 per adult, �1 per child (aged five to 15 years old) return. People should pay on the bus, not at the machines.

Tickets for Sparks in The Park itself cost �7.50 for adults and �4.50 for children on the night, with children aged four years and under free.

But people can save money by buying them in advance before Friday, November 4. Tickets bought that way cost adults �6 (�5.50 for Go 4less card holders) and �3 for children (�2.50 for Go 4less card holders).

Tickets can be bought from Norwich Tourist Information Centre, The Forum (01603 213999); The Mall - Ask Me Point on Level 2 (01603) 766430; Sainsbury's in Queens Road (01603 763600), Pound Lane (01603 300023) and Longwater Lane (01603 741655) or from the Union of UEA students (01603 508050).

Booking fees may be charged.

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