Electrical problems delayed the start of Burnham-On-Sea’s annual seafront fireworks display by almost 50 minutes on Sunday evening (November 8th), but the crowds were still treated to a dazzling display.
The thousands of spectators who lined the seafront were kept waiting for 47 minutes while Skyburst, the company behind the display, tried to fix problems with a new electronic launching system.
Alan Christie, the boss of the firm, apologised to the crowds several times over the PA system before the town’s Mayor Derick Cooper finally was given the go-ahead to begin the countdown to signal the start of the display.
But the problems didn’t end there. During the display, the sound system failed three times and the music was muted.
Some people in the huge crowd – which completely filled The Esplanade – left early, but the vast majority stayed to the end and enjoyed a colourful, dazzling display, as pictured here.
Burnham’s Mayor Derick Cooper, pictured collecting with Town Clerk Eileen Shaw, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Skyburst did suffer problems with their electronics and music system tonight, but it was still a very good show.”
“They have organised many displays here in Burnham in recent years and must be forgiven on this occasion. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience tonight.”
Alan Christie, the boss of the firm, added: “
Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club oversaw a collection in aid of local charities and they said the delay meant there was more time to collect coins from spectators, thereby probably boosting the overall amount raised.
The sponsors of the event were Burnham Holiday Village, the Retreat Caravan Park, Fusion Leisure at Home Farm Holiday Park and Central Radio Services.
The event is the traditional curtain raiser to the Highbridge and Burnham Carnival, which will be held on Monday 9th November.
Fireworks shot into the air above Burnham’s seafront lights
Burnham-On-Sea.com reader Bill Price took this incredible shot of Burnham’s fireworks from half way up Brent Knoll
Reader Al Crook took these shots from the seafront (above and below)
Burnham-On-Sea.com reader Maurice Hunt shot these colourful photos (above) of the fireworks underway
The fireworks shooting up from the beach, above and below, as photographed by reader Chris Gammon
Huge crowds filled The Esplanade to watch the spectacle
This was one of the many families lining the seafront to watch the fireworks
An explosion of light illuminated the spectators during Sunday’s fireworks
Reader Xanthe Rowland captured this explosive photo of the fireworks in action
Reader Jake Hodhge captured this super shot of an exploding firework during the show
Clare Cox sent in this spider-like image of an exploding firework during Burnham’s display
