THE skies of Southend seafront are set to dazzle once again as eight weeks of spectacular fireworks take place.

Every Saturday from September 28 and until November 16 residents and visitors will be treated to a thrilling display of huge fireworks.

The final fireworks event, on November 16, coincides with The 2024 Christmas switch-on event in Southend.

Seafront traders and sponsors have put their hands in their own pockets to ensure the much-loved fireworks continue after they were thrown into doubt when Southend's business improvement district pulled out of organising the event last year.

The Seaside Partnership - a group of businesses across the city - stepped in last year to ensure the event went ahead for residents and have once again joined forces to ensure the fireworks go ahead.

Paul Thompson, owner of Pebbles One, said: “I think it is great news.

"It has been a collaboration between The Seaside Partnership, and a number of very kind sponsors, who have all come together for this.

"It is fantastic for the city. It is really good for business across the whole city, not just the seafront, and it is free for people, so hopefully many will turn out for it and support Southend."

The Seaside Partnership says the return is down to the financial contributions of members and sponsors, including the Essex Chambers of Commerce, c2c Rail, Adventure Island UK, Kingpins Southend, Southend Council, and the Southend City BID.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for culture, tourism, and business, said: “It is really exciting news.

“These events really do bring people into the city and it brings business to the seafront.

“I am massively looking forward to eight weeks of events bringing people down to Southend which all leads up to the big switch-on.

“It is a great thing for everyone to come down and enjoy.”

A spokesman for The Seaside Partnership added: “The Seaside Partnership Presents: Free City of Southend Firework Spectaculars.

“Get ready to light up your Saturdays with dazzling firework displays every week from September 28 until November 16.

The firework displays have long been a staple of the city’s events calendar, attracting thousands of people to the seafront for an evening of entertainment.