Homecoming Scotland is celebrated at Strathclyde Park

Dec 3 2009 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Strathclyde Park at the weekend to watch the Scottish National Fireworks Championships.

Around 10,000 people attended the event - held as part of the Homecoming’s St Andrew’s Day finale celebrations. They saw Reaction Fireworks team impress the crowd and judges with an impressive pyrotechnic display that lit the skies over Strathclyde Loch and fend off competition from two other finalists, Fireworx Scotland and Midnight Storm.

Reaction Fireworks will go forward to compete in the British Fireworks Championships, to be held on the Plymouth shoreline in August 2010.

As well as the fantastic fireworks, crowds were also entertained by Clyde 1 DJs Des McLean, Gina McKie and Gavin Pearson, X-Factor finalist Rikki Loney, aerobatics display team Leading Edge, top tribute act the Kitty Kat Dolls, the Kennedy Cup Cakes and tribal pipes and drums band Clanadonia.

Crowds also turned out for the Wee Willie Winkie fun walk in aid of St Andrew's Hospice.

Participants formed a lighted procession around Strathclyde Loch, led by Des McLean and accompanied by pipe bands and other performers.

David Carroll, of the Lanarkshire Tourism Marketing Partnership, said: “The Scottish National Fireworks Championships are a fantastic event and we're delighted to have been able to host it here at Strathclyde Country Park.

“The fireworks displays were spectacular and I'd like to congratulate Reaction Fireworks as this year's winners.

“There was a great turn out of people from across the country that came to help celebrate the Homecoming finale weekend in style.”

Clyde 1's Gina McKie added: “Everyone really enjoyed Sunday's event and there was a great atmosphere surrounding the Clyde 1 stage.

“The fireworks displays were also very impressive and brought the whole event to a real show-stopping end.”

Clyde 1's breakfast show presenter Des McLean said: “It was fantastic that so many people made such an effort to turn up and take part in The Wee Willie Winkie fun walk.

“It really added to the day and helped to bring everyone together for such a worthwhile cause.”