WOW! what can I say. It was a fantastic day the weather was perfect, the crowd was massive and the atmosphere electric.

At 1930 our Chairman Chris Stacey took to the mike in front of the dragon on the ramparts and introduced all the builders who did an absolutely fantastic job.

It was then over to Bob Brewer who talked about his book "Built to Burn" telling the story of the cavaliers from 1970 until now. Fraser Moore then took over as master of ceremonies until the first fireworks display. This was to music and was an absolutely fantastic show by Two Tigers fireworks. www.twotigers.co.uk. Thanks Richard and the team. This was just a taste of what was to come!

The Kenwith Company of archers www.kenwith-archers.org.uk and The Kyrton Archers were next , and they fired 4 volleys of flaming arrows into the castle. What a sight that was!

Now it was time to light; Dave kelly, a founder member of the Cavaliers was invited to light the fuse to start the BURN. Once the fire was established, it was hot! the finale display started and this one blew us all away.

Please let us know what you thought of the evenings show by signing our guestbook by clicking the link on the left or following this link Guest Book

We hope you all had a fantastic time and [b]THANK YOU! for supporting us. Once we have a final figure I will post it here and when we have allocated the monies raised I will again post on our website.

Below are some photos of the complete build process, our fun day on the weekend before the bonfire, our Medieval banquet party, the captains party in the great hall of the Castle and the BURN itself. Most of these photos are courtesy of Dave Sanders from www.davespix.co.uk where more photos are available to view or buy. Thank you Dave!

View build photos
View slideshow of build

View Medieval Banquet photos
View Slideshow of Medieval Banquet

View Captain Party photos
View Slideshow of Captains Party

View Funday Photos
View Slideshow of Funday

View Burn Photos
View Slideshow of the burn

Whoops! of delight echoed around the walls of Torrington Castle on the Old Bowling Green when two stained glass windows, recently removed and stolen from the building, were found propped up at the entrance early Sunday 22nd morning. The two windows are part of a set specially made by local doctor Paul Bangay and are set in the front walls either side of the portcullis. The castle, built by the Great Torrington Cavaliers over the last two years, is due to be burned down at 9pm next Saturday the 28th August. It is the latest in their series of bonfires which began in 1970.
Chris Stacey, Chairman of the Cavaliers said “We don’t condone the actions of the thieves who took the windows but, if they had a change of heart, then we have appreciated their return with only minor damage. We would like to think that taking them was in fact just a prank without malice attached. Security teams will be on site during the final week with CCTV cameras operating as we prepare to welcome the usual several thousand strong audience to witness the event”
Tickets to this latest Cavalier extravaganza, which includes a major firework display at its conclusion, can be obtained from any local Tourist Information Centre, most shops in Torrington town or, on the night at the approaches to the bonfire site.

The Saturday prior to the big burn saw the Cavaliers Bonfire 2010 funday which was free to enter and many events / activities within it were also free. It was a thank you to Torrington for thier patience and support over the last 2 years.

There were Kiddies rides, a bouncy Castle, a bale maze, a tug of war, seize the moment, a Falconry display, the police, Streetz, a cake and food stall, ye olde sweet shop, a bar and of course 5 live bands on stage in the evening & Vanamos Samba.

It was very well attended given the forecast and infact at 1610 11mm of rain fell in 25 minutes and the commons was turned into a lake, the power failed, the tents flooded but still people came and a fantastic time was had by all in true Torrington & Cavalier fashion!

View some photos
Slideshow

It was also Del`s (Wolfman) and Emma`s wedding in the banquet hall of the castle!

View Wedding photos
Slideshow

Thursday 19th saw the Dragon lifted into place above the drawbridge of the Castle, guarding the entrance.

KAS crane hire very kindly supplied the crane and driver to lift the huge structure into place. The process was watched by Nick Davey who with his brother Stuart built the Dragon on site over many weeks.

This really is the "Crowning Glory" of the Castle Bonfire.

Pictures courtesy of Dave Sanders of www.davespix.co.uk

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