Fireworks return called off due to forecast winds

The return of a weekly beach fireworks display that was suspended due to wildfire risks has been called off due to forecast high winds.

Unsafe conditions at sea mean it is not possible to launch fireworks from a barge off Bournemouth beach safely on Friday night, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council says.

The local authority said an additional display set for the following week on 4 September would be a larger finale to finish the summer season, with an additional display also set for Poole Quay on 3 September.

The Bournemouth seafront fireworks are normally set off every Friday at 22:00 BST from 24 July until 28 August.

Councillor Richard Herrett, BCP Council's portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said: "We have done everything we can, alongside our partners, to ensure today's display could take place but unfortunately it has not been possible.

"We know this is frustrating for many of our residents, visitors and businesses: it is frustrating for us, too, we know a lot of people were looking forward to their return."