A FANTASTIC programme of seafront fireworks is back in Southend... and it all starts tonight!

The opening event of the series takes place tonight between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. 

It will see more than 1,700 fireworks used, all of which are set off from barges moored 400 metres from the shore in the Thames Estuary.

The event - 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.

Here's the key info to make sure you get there, get there on time and get a good spot.

Where?

Southend seafront. Marine Parade/Adventure Island or City Beach are great spots

Where to park?

Seaway car park is just a minute away and Fairheads Green is just by SeaLife Adventure.

Alternatively, there is car parking in the town centre. If you fancy a walk through the town centre, park at Beecroft gallery or the Civic Centre, both are in Victoria Avenue.

Other ways to travel?

Park at Leigh station and get the train in...let the train take the strain

Who's paying for it?

It's all down to the Southend Business Improvement District. It is funding the fireworks as part of its endeavours to make the town centre a great place to visit.

The BID is funded directly by businesses in the area as part of business rates.

Here's what BID manager Suzanne Gloyne has to say about it all:

The excitement level will – literally – be sky high tomorrow night in Southend, when the firework spectaculars make a dazzling return.

I’m very proud to say that each one is organised and funded by the Southend BID and sees some 1,700 fireworks create an incredible display of glorious noise and colour over the seafront.

The displays start at 7.30pm and will run from that time every Saturday evening until November 16, when they provide the explosive finale for the massive Christmas Lights Switch-On.

For me, they’re a great way to start an evening out with friends or family in the town. It’s great to wrap up, wander down to City Beach, watch the pyrotechnics and then go for a warming drink or enjoy something to eat in one of the nearby bars, cafes or restaurants.

There’s always a great atmosphere down on the seafront and the fireworks really do create an amazing buzz amongst all the thousands of visitors.

Since the BID took over the responsibility of hosting the fireworks in 2013, they have grown in popularity and now attract coach parties from neighbouring counties and visitors from as far away as Milton Keynes.

But it is not just the beauty and impressiveness of the displays that brings people here, I believe it is the many delights that Southend has to offer. From the simple pleasure of seeing the twinkling of lights reflected in the estuary waters, to enjoying a blow-out dinner, there is something for everyone.

So, if you’ve yet to enjoy watching one of our firework spectaculars, may I invite you to get your friends or family together and join me - plus hundreds upon hundreds of others - for a unique Southend experience.

 

Other dates for the diary

Saturday, October 12 from 7.30pm to 7.45pm

Saturday, October 19 from 7.30pm to 7.45pm

Saturday, October 26 from 7.30pm to 7.45pm

Saturday, November 2 from 7.30pm to 7.45pm

Saturday, November 9 from 7.30pm to 7.45pm

Saturday, November 16 from 7.30pm to 7.45pm (with the huge Christmas lights switch-on)