FIVE thousand people are expected to enjoy a fireworks spectacular in Gwent this weekend.

The British Firework Championships Welsh heat takes place on Saturday at Chepstow race course.

A spokesman said up to 5,000 people will be attending the event.

Fireworks companies from across the region will be competing at the event for the chance to take place in the UK final, in Plymouth in August.

Pendragon Fireworks from Newport, Anytime Fireworks from Weymouth and Westcoast Fireworks from Pembrokeshire will each have ten minutes to impress championship judges.

The heat is one of five being held this year, with others taking place in Salford, Battersea Park in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

However revellers can enjoy a feast of entertainment from 2pm - kicking off with kite-flying competitions with contestants from across Britain.

There will also be a fun fair and a live music stage. Acts include Friends Electric, Sandmike, Kick Box Riot and Honeypunch.

Despite the competitive element revellers will be raising money for the Severn Area Rescue Association.

The charity, which provides in-shore rescue boat and land search services for the Severn Estuary and River Severn, is the largest independent rescue boat organisation in the UK - second only to the RNLI.

SARA will have stalls and displays at the racecourse throughout the evening.

Details about tickets for the event can be found at www.britishfireworks.co.uk or by calling 01291 636346.

Displays will take place between 7 and 11pm.