WEYMOUTH Pavilion's stunning new jewel-coloured illuminations may be Dorset's answer to the Northern Lights.

Phil Say, director at the Pavilion, said social media 'came alive' after the lights were switched on.

"They can be seen from all the way out at Bowleaze Cove – people were saying how wonderful it is to see the town lit up", he said.

And so far, residents have only seen a fraction of what's to come.

According to Mr Say – who recently signed a 30 year lease to run the facility – a kaleidoscope of colour combinations can be achieved with the new lights, which are controlled via a computer inside the building.

"We can customise the timing, pattern and brightness", he added.

"Currently people can see a scrolling palette of colour, which appears to be chasing round the building.

"On veterans' day we can make them red, white and blue, and on St Patrick's Day they could be white and green.

"We can illuminate the front of the Pavilion in one colour, with the harbourside, beachside and rear each being a different shade.

"The colours can fade in and out, or pulse like a heartbeat".

The Pavilion team is keen to get the community involved with the project.

"We're planning on holding competitions for children to come up with their own themes for the display," Mr Say said.

The 32 coloured lights were installed at the same time as new double glazed windows, to help reduce costs.

It's all part of an ongoing programme of repairs and improvements at the facility, following a £250,000 grant from the borough council, funded by the sale of the former offices at North Quay.

The project will see extra ladies' toilets being installed in the Piano Bar, as well as a new look for the bar's interior.

Also on the agenda are a new restaurant and art gallery, and a lift.

But with the £250,000 now having been spent on essential repairs and improvements – including a new roof – the Pavilion must reach into its own coffers to fund the outstanding work.

There's positive news however – ticket sales for the venue have increased by 17 per cent over the course of a year.

"Things are on the up – and there's plenty more projects in the pipeline for 2019", said Mr Say.