The laser lights on Weymouth Esplanade will finally be launched on Thursday night.

The scheme, which involves seven, 16-metre high columns with lighting projected from Weymouth promenade over the beach and into the sea, will be officially switched on at 9.30pm.

Each column will be different colours and each will include a different vertical coloured light within the structure of the column.

They are programmed to change over time moving vertically and horizontally, in circular motions with split beams. The experience will also vary depending on weather and lighting conditions each night.

The lights start half an hour after sunset and will go on and off every six minutes through the evening and each time there will be a different pattern of lights. They will stay on until midnight in winter and 1am in summer.

Parsons Brinckerhoff Project Manager Bill Norman said: “This was a very exciting and challenging project.

“To our knowledge there is no other installation of this sort anywhere in the world and it is the largest permanent laser lighting in this country.

“We have worked very closely with the borough council and artists Vong Phaophanit and Claire Oboussier to meet the complex design requirements and faithfully deliver the original artistic vision.”

Chairman of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council Management Committee Michael Goodman said: “After extensive testing we are now delighted to be able to share this fantastic new lighting system."