THE SKIES of Southend will once again be lit up for this autumn’s free annual firework display returning this Saturday.

After the opening event, the series of spectaculars – 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.

More than 1,700 fireworks are used each night, set off from barges moored 400 metres from the shore in the Thames Estuary.

The free pyrotechnic displays attract thousands of visitors each year, including people from Hertfordshire, Kent and as far as Milton Keynes, bringing a welcome boost to the seafront and town centre’s night time economy.

Suzanne Gloyne, manager of Southend BID, said: “I think the sheer size and scale of the firework spectaculars, and the unique setting of the seafront, make them a huge draw for visitors.

“Once they’ve finished, the crowds then take the opportunity to visit huge variety of leisure attractions, cafes, bars and restaurants, bars, cafes and shops.

“It can get a little chilly down on the seafront after sunset, so make sure you wrap up warm and prepare for a great night out with your family and friends.

“Don’t forget to take lots of photos of the firework displays and share them with us on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages.”

The seafront fireworks began in 1996, with the BID taking over the responsibility to organise them from Southend Council in 2013.

Since then, they have become must-see events.

Suzanne added: “With names such as Whistling Red Mine, Brocade Crown and Gold Strobe, you can get a sense of the colours and effects that the fireworks create when they explode in the sky.

“The 2019 shows will certainly live up to their billing as spectaculars.”

For more information about the firework spectaculars, visit www.visitsouthend.co.uk, like the Facebook page @VisitSouthendonSea, or follow @VisitSouthend on Twitter.