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

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

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

The new system is replacing the strings of ‘fairy lights’ which adorned the seafront for generations prompting anger among residents who claimed the traditional resort atmosphere was being killed off.

The lasers have also suffered delays while extensive testing has been carried out.

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.

Chairman of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s manage-ment committee Michael Goodman said: “After extensive testing we are now delighted to be able to share this fantastic new lighting system.

“With the benefit of Arts Council and other funding, the borough council has had the opportunity to introduce a new, low-energy lighting scheme, which will be modern in its form but sympathetic to the Georgian backdrop of the Esplanade.

“The new lighting system is just one of the many projects that are transforming the seafront to improve residents’ and visitors’ experience and help raise the profile of the resort of Weymouth and the borough as a whole.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council mayor Margaret Leicester said: “I am very excited to be able to launch this innovative lighting scheme.

“The Light Veils have transformed Weymouth Seafront.

“I fully encourage people to come along and have a look at this amazing lighting scheme.”

Arts Council England’s director for the South West, Phil Gibby said: “We’re delighted that public art has been incorporated into the rejuvenation of the seafront and that this impressive piece of art will be available for residents and visitors to enjoy.”