Weymouth Beach Bonfire Night firework displays may end

Officers are investigating alternative options for large-scale outdoor displays and events that would still attract large numbers of people and deliver economic benefits to the town.

Investigations are at a preliminary stage - however initial options could include drone displays, with large groups of drones creating shapes; lighting events such as light projections onto buildings; or a series of small-scale entertainments along the seafront to complement evening entertainment offered by cafés.

"All these options will require further investigation in order to establish their cost, however initial research suggests that the costs are likely to be far higher that the current cost of a single firework display," a council spokesman said. "Also, such alternatives may only be accessible/visible to a few thousand people in a more confined area, whereas firework displays are visible to large numbers of spectators across a long section of the Promenade."

Weymouth fireworks November 2017 by Jannis Karagezov

The authority added that far more research into costings and feasibility is needed ahead of a decision on whether to programme any firework displays for summer and Bonfire Night in 2022.

The issue will be debated by Weymouth Town Council's Services Committee at a meeting at 7pm on December 1.

Recommendations being put forward to the committee are:

a) Instruct officers to commission further market research into large-scale outdoor events, which would include obtaining indicative costings and an assessment of environmental impact;

b) That resources for firework displays are retained in the events budget for 2022-23 to allow options for its use or re-allocation early in 2022 depending on the outcome of the market research.

It comes after an online survey was held to evaluate public opinion on this summer's quieter firework displays.

The survey received 129 responses - key findings include:

• Approximately 47 per cent who attended gave the event a ‘5 star’ (enjoyed very much) rating.
• 40 per cent of respondents stated that they would enjoy the event more if carbon emissions were offset.
• Approximately 27 per cent of respondents spent up to £20 in town that evening and 20 per cent spent between £20 and £40.
• With regard to alternatives to fireworks on Bonfire night, many of the individual comments that were submitted in relation to that question highlighted the desire for quieter fireworks for those with pets.