Firework heaven

In the heart of Kent is a 900-year-old castle acclaimed as "The loveliest castle in the world". So said Lord Conway, a picture postcard writer, in 1911. It sits in moated glory in the midst of beautiful parkland. Leeds Castle is located beside a village of the same name, just to the south-east of Maidstone. Leeds comes from 'Esledes', meaning 'on a hill or slope'. It was our destination today for the annual fireworks display that has become famed for its spectacle and quality.

First, we had a loud, lively family lunch nearby at my nephew's, where the three kids were fired up and fairly hyper at the prospect of the fireworks later on. It was fun seeing their excitement, but then fireworks have a way of making big kids of all of us.

It was our first time at the Leeds Castle fireworks, and what a display! It must be the finest in the south east. With a theme of 'Go Wild', it included images of big cats and giraffes projected onto the castle walls, a lively variety of music throughout, and dramatic spotlight displays interspersed with sensational fireworks. It was a full half hour of magical spectacle. We'll definitely be back again next year.