In our weekly BID column, Alison Dewey recently revealed when the fireworks will return, and more fun activities to welcome autumn.

THE BID’s programme of fantastic firework displays kicks off again on the seafront, from next Saturday - October 6 at 7.30pm.

If you’ve not been to one before, then make sure you, your friends and family don’t miss them this year. Each display is a riot of colour and noise, using more than 1,700 fireworks.

After the opening event, the firework spectaculars will run every Saturday evening at 7.30pm until November 17, when they form part of the Christmas Lights Switch-On.

On the same day the firework displays get under way, Southend will also host the Purple Festival.

For the past five years, this event has showcased the town’s vibrant night time ‘offer’ and celebrated Southend achieving Purple Flag status for providing a good, safe and fun experience after dark. This year’s Purple Festival features more than twenty bands, duos and solo musicians playing live on special stages on the seafront and in the town centre. Each gig is completely free, and the event runs from 2pm to 9pm.

To add an extra splash of colour, the stages will be bathed in purple light and the huge City Beach lighting columns will also be turned purple to coincide with the festival’s theme.