Man's ashes blasted off in a firework

Andrew 'Alfie' Vivian, 50, worked at Glyndebourne for more than 25 years and died in June from throat cancer.

On Saturday more than 200 people enjoyed a party and firework display to remember a fun and friendly person who made a huge number of friends.

Keith Benson,lighting manager at Glyndebourne and Alfie's friend for 30 years, told the Express: 'Alfie's wish was for his ashes to be scattered at Glyndebourne.

'I had read about a company called Heaven's above Fireworks, who arrange for your ashes to be incorporated into fireworks as part of a

display.

'With Alfie's love of fireworks, this seemed an ideal way to carry out

his wishes even though it would be from 500ft in the air.

'Alfie's ashes were incorporated into 16 6-inch shells that were to be used for the finale.

'They even had his name on them!'

Alfie was part of the stage crew at Glyndebourne and more recently a member of the lighting department.

Although he was often on tour during Bonfire night celebrations he would always buy fireworks and set them off on November 5, regardless of where the company was staying at the time.

His friends and colleagues said Alfie had a devilish sense of humour and kept his spirits up throughout his illness.

Colleague Sarah Rushden-Read said: 'Everyone Alf knew benefited from his incredibly wicked sense of humour, his kind heart, his drive for adventure and his hedonistic-sometimes to his own detriment approach to life.

'Alf lived life to the full and has given us a wonderful store of crazy memories we will all treasure forever.

'He was the best friend you could ever wish for.'

Alfie also loved his food and Saturday's party also featured a demonstration of how to make the ultimate sandwich made from white bread, salad cream, strong cheddar, tomatoes and ready salted crisps.

He will also be remembered by the locals in the Lansdown Arms, and a picture of Alfie looks down on the bar of his favourite pub in Lewes.

Alfie, from Eastbourne, was diagnosed with tongue cancer in December 2005 which developed throat cancer in November 2006. He is survived by mother Pam and sister Jo.