FIREWORKS will once again light up the skies on Southend seafront after it was confirmed there will be eight weekends of celebrations.

The newly formed "Seaside Partnership" has confirmed the return of the beloved seafront fireworks after they were put into doubt earlier this year.

Previously the displays were organised by Southend BID, however seafront traders were forced to step in and take a lead after the business group removed the seafront from its plans.

Now, seafront traders have come together to fund the fireworks and will be supported by BID and Southend Council to ensure eight consecutive Saturday's of fireworks from September 30.

Marc Miller, the chairman of the Seaside Partnership, said: “At the start of the year with the removal of the seafront businesses from Southend BID, the fireworks were to be cancelled.

“However, the committee from the newly formed Seaside partnership contacted every seafront business and I am pleased to say with support from Southend Council and Southend BID; the seafront businesses have managed to rally the funds for eight displays to go ahead.

“The free city fireworks will be every Saturday with the first display at 8pm on September 30.

“It really is fantastic news for the city businesses, residents, and visitors and even more so now alongside the free seafront parking after 6pm.”

The dates for the fireworks are every Saturday on September 30, October 7, October 14, October 21, October 28, November 4, November 11, and November 18.

All will start at 8pm apart from the finale on November 18, which will begin at 7:30pm. This will coincide with the annual Southend BID Christmas switch on.

Nick Singer, operations director of Star Amusements, added: “We can confirm that the annual fireworks will be continuing this year and indeed has been organised through the Seaside Partnership Committee and not Southend BID.

“This hasn’t been easy to organise, due to the size of the event and raising the funds to ensure that everyone continues to enjoy the fireworks that has been organised over many years.”

Suzanne Gloyne, Southend BID manager, said: “The seafront fireworks displays are a fantastic community event, and although Southend City BID are not organising the firework displays this year, we have sponsored the Autumn 2023 event series.

“The events allow families to enjoy free nights out in the city whilst supporting businesses."