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Southend BID’s Firework Spectaculars set to light up seafront again

01 Oct Southend BID’s Firework Spectaculars set to light up seafront again

The night skies over Southend’s world-famous seafront will again be illuminated in dramatic fashion this autumn when the annual free firework displays return on Saturday (5 October).

After the opening event, the series of spectaculars – hosted by Southend Business Improvement District (BID) – will run every Saturday evening from 7.30pm until November 16, when they provide the explosive finale for the town’s Christmas Lights Switch-On.

Each display is a dazzling mix of riotous technicolour and noise, created by more than 1,700 fireworks each night.

Such is their reputation, that the free pyrotechnic displays attract thousands of visitors each year, including people from Hertfordshire, Kent and as far afield as Milton Keynes, bringing a welcome boost to the seafront and town centre’s night time economy, as Suzanne Gloyne, Manager of Southend BID explains: “I think the sheer size and scale of the firework spectaculars, and the unique setting of the seafront, make them a huge draw for visitors. Once they’ve finished, the crowds then take the opportunity to visit huge variety of leisure attractions, cafes, bars and restaurants, bars, cafes and shops.”

She adds: “It can get a little chilly down on the seafront after sunset, so make sure you wrap up warm and prepare for a great night out with your family and friends. Don’t forget to take lots of photos of the firework displays and share them with us on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages.”

The seafront fireworks began in 1996, with the BID taking over the responsibility to organise them from Southend Borough Council in 2013. Since then, they have become must-see events, due to the hundreds upon hundreds of aerial shells, multi-shot barrages, mines and large-calibre Roman candles being set off from barges moored 400 metres from the shore in the Thames Estuary.