THOUSANDS of people are expected to attend the borough's bonfire and fireworks extravaganza next month.

Himley Hall and Park will be throwing open the gates on November 4 for the event, which is now in its 41st year.

More than 1,200 pallets have been used to build the towering centrepiece bonfire, while the cables for the 30 minutes of fireworks stretch five kilometres.

There are also two kilometres of fuse wire for the pyrotechnics, enough lighting for four kilometres of motorway and three kilometres of fencing.

The theme for this year's celebrations is girl power and there will be a series of top tunes to accompany a sustained burst of colour across the skyline.

Councillor Ian Kettle, Dudley's cabinet member responsible for tourism, said: “This is already shaping up to be one of the biggest and best bonfire and firework celebrations yet.

“This is many months in the planning and culminates in the biggest fireworks display in the West Midlands attracting around 20,000 people every year.”

Heart FM will be providing music and entertainment on the night and people will also be able to buy snacks and try out the fairground rides.

A free bus service is available from Dudley, Coseley, Sedgley, Quarry Bank and Brierley Hill, Halesowen and Stourbridge from 5.30pm onwards.

Gates will open at 4.30pm with the fun fair running until 10.30pm.

Heart FM will be on stage from 6.30pm with the lighting of the bonfire at 7.45pm.

The fireworks display will begin at 8.30pm.

Admission costs £9 for adults and over 16s, and £4.50 for children aged five to 15.

There is a senior citizen ticket costing £4.50 while children under five are free.

Families of two adults and two children can take advantage of a discounted ticket at £23. Car parking costs £3.

Options+ discounts are also available on adult and junior tickets.

Tickets can be bought by calling 01384 812812 or online at www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk.

Card payments will not be accepted on the night.