A POPULAR firework display is set for a comeback this year after a four-year absence.

The Big Beach Bang in Shoebury last lit up the November skies in 2018, before being shelved throughout the Covid pandemic.

Now organisers Southend Round Table have announced the event on East Beach will return on Saturday, November 4, and the charity has lodged an application for an event licence.

The Round Table had hoped to organise the spectacular event for last year but cancelled it citing “logistical challenges, market supply issues and manpower complications”.

Peter Lovett, chairman of Shoebury Residents Association, admitted some of those challenges were ongoing.

He said: “The Round Table were having problems getting a firework company because the one they used wasn’t available so they are looking at others.

“We’ve had a lot of requests for it to go ahead again so we’re all for that. It stops the local firework displays so we can give more thought to the poor old wildlife.”

Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for environment, culture and tourism, said the council has to balance residents views when sanctioning such events.

She said: “A big event like that will have to go through the safety advisory procedures. Fireworks are a difficult thing. Every year we get a lot of complaints from people that are dog and animal owners, people who don’t like the noise and those that think it’s a waste of money but we also have to balance that with the fact that there thousands of people that thoroughly enjoy it and want to come down to see it.

“Being for charity that puts a different edge on it and people are generally more supportive.”

Past events have featured a fairground, food and drink and a display set to lively music with a DJ. All proceeds from the event go to charity.

The event is organised on a voluntary basis by the members of Southend Round Table 106 and is one of their major fundraising events, which in previous years has attracted thousands of visitors.