Weymouth's seafront will light up in memory of a much-loved father in a display that promises to be 'the biggest and best it has ever seen.'


Weymouth fireworks, in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare, will return this month in a celebration of the life of patient Mike Hunter. 


Mr Hunter was responsible for setting off the fireworks during his time as a pyrotechnic operator at Pains Fireworks, where he worked for more than 20 years.


Before his death in October 2016, he spoke with his family about his love for the event and his wish was for his ashes to be scattered when it takes place on Monday, August 21.


Mr Hunter's daughter, Sam, a teacher at Thomas Hardye School, said: "As a family, we had a discussion with dad about how he wanted his ashes to be dealt with. We discussed where he really enjoyed
being, and one of the things he loved doing was the fireworks in Weymouth.

"He spoke to his company, to see if they would be able to support him to have his ashes scattered whilst a firework display was happening, and we are very grateful to them as they have agreed – they have also promised that these fireworks will be the
biggest and best that Weymouth has ever seen.


"His one little caveat was that we needed to make sure that we did some fundraising at the same time."

Dorset Echo:

Weldmar's sister Emma Mills and nurse Kay Watts, both of whom cared for Mr Hunter when he stayed at Joseph Weld Hospice, with Mike’s daughters Laura and Sam Hunter. Picture: Weldmar

Weldmar is working with local businesses and organisations to offer residents and visitors the free firework spectacular on the seafront.


The display will be enhanced with Weldmar fundraising activities taking place during the day from 2pm, carrying on in to the evening.


A schedule of events will be published on Weldmar’s website in the next few days.


Weldmar is keen to hear from any Dorset-based business that would like to contribute to the fireworks on the seafront.


If you would like to get involved, contact business development fundraiser Emma Brown on 01305 261800 or email emma.brown@weld-hospice.org.uk


Emma said: "It is important to stress Weldmar is the beneficiary and is not using any of our supporters' monies to finance this event.

"This will be an opportunity to raise funds for the care of our patients whilst sustaining and developing this traditional summer event in Weymouth, also paying a fitting tribute to Pains Firework employee Mike Hunter."


The fireworks display will kick off at 9.30pm.