Burnham’s annual seafront fireworks display will cost an extra £2,500 to stage this year following a decision by town councillors to launch the pyrotechnics from a barge in the middle of Bridgwater Bay.
Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported in July how a high tide occurring on the night of the display on Sunday November 7th means the organisers will be unable to let the fireworks off from the beach and jetty as normal.
Therefore, the Town Council has been exploring other options in recent weeks to ensure the hugely popular event, attended by thounsands of spectators, goes ahead.
Town Clerk Eileen Shaw told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: “Councillors on the Fireworks Working Party have decided to take up the suggestion of the fireworks supplier and let the display off from a barge in the sea to get around the problem of the very high tide.”
“It’s the safest option available and should mean the display will be more spectacular than ever, with the fireworks being reflected on the sea.”
“The other advantage is that if there is any wind, the fireworks will not be blown onto the shore, reducing the risk of the event being cancelled at the last minute due to safety concerns.”
She added: “Given the large number of spectators that come into Burnham for this event, we wanted to find a way of holding it despite the high tide.”
However, she confirmed that the new launch site does come at an extra cost. “It will be more expensive to hold this year – we expect to pay around £2,500 – £3,000 extra, so donations from businesses who benefit from the extra visitors being in the town will be very welcome.”
The town council also considered holding the display at three other sites – on Stert Island, at Apex Wildlife Park, and at the BASC Ground – but none were felt to be fully suitable. The display will start at 7pm on November 7th, the night before Burnham’s annual winter carnival.
