HUNDREDS of "freeloaders" took the shine off Caterham's stunning fireworks event last Saturday.
About 5,000 revellers paid £5 on the gate – or £4 in advance – to watch the town's spectacular show at Dene Field, off Church Hill, in aid of charity.
But an estimated 1,000 others popped 100 yards across the road to Queens Park, to enjoy the display for free, or for a minimal donation.
Proceeds from the night go to various local causes, such as youth groups and charities.
Simon Edge, vice-chairman of Caterham Round Table, which organised the show, said: "If all those people in the park stopped freeloading, it would raise thousands of pounds more for charitable causes. Volunteers with collection buckets do go around the park, but many people refuse to donate anything.
"Many people put in a lot of time and effort for this event, but a small minority spoil it.
"If everyone had that attitude, it could not go ahead at all."
This year, about £1,000 was donated to the bucket collection – a fifth of the sum raised if all in the park had paid on the gate.
