WEYMOUTH fireworks are set for a spectacular return on bank holiday Monday.

Weldmar Hospicecare Trust has brought together local businesses to fund the event which was scrapped in council cutbacks.

Despite pulling out of funding the Monday night summer fireworks due to lack of sponsorship, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council will help to manage the event alongside Weldmar.

The borough council confirmed it would only fund firework displays as part of Weymouth Carnival and Guy Fawkes Night.

Weldmar will just be organising the bank holiday display this year, alongside the Fireworks Business Group, but they are hoping to attract further sponsorship to grow the event next year.

The event will raise money for Weldmar to help toward the cost of providing continued care.

Jon Panton, business fundraising manager at Weldmar Hospicecare, said they were delighted with how the project had come together.

He said: “We are pleased to be the benefiting charity. This will be an opportunity to raise funds for the care of our patients whilst sustaining and developing this traditional summer event in Weymouth.”

Borough council spokesman for tourism and culture Rachel Rogers said: “It’s fantastic that both tourists and local residents will be able to enjoy fireworks on the beach on bank holiday Monday.

“I’m grateful to all the businesses that have helped to finance this event and especially to Weldmar Hospicecare.

“The council is always keen to work in partnership with businesses and charities to bring bigger and better events to the borough.”

Weymouth Pavilion operator Phil Say, who is heading the Firework Business Group, said: “Celebrating the first year of trading at the Weymouth Pavilion as a successful community enterprise we are delighted to be part of this group aiming to save our great seafront fireworks.

“The intention is not to only to save the fireworks but develop the evenings for the future into late night shopping and entertainment evenings to benefit the entire town area.”

The Fireworks Business Group includes: Weymouth Pavilion, Alexandra Gardens, Aura, The Boat Cafe, Kings Group, The Lazy Lizard, The Dorothy Inn, Cactus Tea Rooms, Weyline Taxis, The Nook, Pains Fireworks, Apex Divers, Chesterman and Matthews and The Roundhouse.

Weldmar Hospicecare are looking for volunteers to help with their fundraising efforts, as well as any more businesses that are interested in sponsoring, contact Jon Panton on 01305 755200.