Vicarage Road is the home of Watford FC but it has hosted plenty of events other than football during its history, including a popular annual firework display.

Fireworks to Music was first staged on Wednesday, November 4, 1981 when adults and children could enjoy the pyrotechnics to the accompaniment of music from space films like Star Wars and 2001.

Watford Treasury chairman Geoff Wicken has kindly supplied a copy of the advert for the first display that was published in a Hornets programme, showing that tickets in advance cost £1.40 for adults and £1 for children.

Watford Observer: The Fireworks to Music advert from a Watford programmeThe Fireworks to Music advert from a Watford programme (Image: Geoff Wicken)

These pictures from our archive were taken at the 1986 Vicarage Road display when Disney characters were proving popular with the younger members of the crowd.

Watford Observer: The fireworks were launched from the Vicarage Road pitchThe fireworks were launched from the Vicarage Road pitch (Image: Watford Observer)

The displays took place for around a decade but came to an end with the building of the Vicarage Road and Rookery stands which hampered the view of the night sky.

Watford Observer: The Rous - now Graham Taylor - Stand is just about visible in the backgroundThe Rous - now Graham Taylor - Stand is just about visible in the background (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: A popular beastA popular beast (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Shaking hands with Minnie MouseShaking hands with Minnie Mouse (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: It was a blowy night when the 1986 display took placeIt was a blowy night when the 1986 display took place (Image: Watford Observer)