Hartlepool's free Fireworks Spectacular is set to sparkle at Seaton Carew on Sunday 1 November in an afternoon and evening packed with entertainment, live performances and a dazzling fireworks finale.
The hugely popular Hartlepool Borough Council event will take place from 2pm to 7pm in the area around the iconic Clock Tower on Seaton Carew seafront, bringing together residents and visitors for one of the borough’s biggest and brightest community celebrations of the year.
Headline sponsor X-energy, which is leading on new nuclear investment in Hartlepool, is once again supporting the event.
From the moment the festivities begin, visitors can enjoy a vibrant children's fairground, tuck into delicious street food and soak up the atmosphere with music and entertainment throughout the day.
A special highlight from 2pm will be an eye-catching illuminated art installation created by community arts organisation BloomInArt and members of the local community, featuring illuminated handcrafted "sparks" being produced using simple basket-weaving techniques during free workshops over the half-term holidays. There’s still time to join one of the workshops – visit www.culturehartlepool.com/events/bloom-in-arts-sparks-free-workshops for details.
Continuing the artistic theme, Rockpools, a new organisation providing creative activities for everyone in Hartlepool, is inviting the community to build an artwork from 2pm, doodling a giant neon UV-light fireworks display.
The energy will continue to build from 3.30pm with local talent in the spotlight in live stage performances hosted by BBC Introducing's Shakk. Audiences can look forward to performances from the Mick Donnelly Academy of Music Samba Band, whose infectious rhythms always get crowds moving, as well as popular local duo Pek and Wanley – one of Hartlepool’s best ramshackle, hipster-hop, hillbilly, folky, pop and rock acoustic cover duos!
Young people from the Wintertide Festival CIC Young Producers Project are also helping shape the entertainment programme, gaining valuable hands-on experience while helping deliver a memorable event for visitors, and further stage performances are set to be announced.
Adding to the excitement, AJ Theatrical Productions will offer audiences a sneak peek at this year's sensational Hartlepool family pantomime Cinderella, with a special performance by the cast members and a walkabout meet-and-greet.
The grand finale comes at 6.30pm when the skies above Seaton Carew burst into colour during the spectacular fireworks display, choreographed to a soundtrack packed with well-loved family favourites.
The fireworks will be launched from two points on the beach in the area between the bus station and the children’s play area, giving the audience a larger viewing area to spread out and enjoy the display. For safety reasons, there will be no access to the beach itself and sparklers are not permitted at the event.
Councillor Rob Darby, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council's Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said: “The Fireworks Spectacular is one of the highlights of Hartlepool's events calendar and always creates a fantastic atmosphere on the Seaton Carew seafront.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together, enjoy some brilliant entertainment and celebrate everything that's great about our community.
"We're looking forward to welcoming thousands of people for what promises to be another unforgettable event, and I'd encourage everyone to come along, enjoy the festivities and support the fantastic local businesses taking part."
Leon Flexman, Corporate Affairs Director (UK) at X-energy, said: “We're delighted to be supporting the Hartlepool Fireworks Spectacular once again and helping bring another fantastic community event to the borough.
"Last year's event attracted thousands of people and generated a real sense of pride, fun and togetherness. It's a brilliant showcase for Hartlepool and the vibrant community spirit that makes the town so special.
"X-energy is committed to being a long-term part of Hartlepool's future, and we're proud to support this event that brings people together, creates lasting memories and celebrates Hartlepool and its people."
With so much to see and do, visitors are encouraged to arrive early, explore the seafront, and support the fantastic local businesses that help make this event so special.
The Council has also issued some important information on traffic and parking, to help the event run smoothly.
As in previous years, The Front at Seaton Carew between the Station Lane and Elizabeth Way junctions will be closed to traffic from 4pm until 8.30pm, or earlier if the crowds clear and conditions allow. For safety reasons, the Council will be operating a tow-away policy for any vehicles parked in this area during the day.
Given the event’s popularity, the advice to people is – please walk if possible or take public transport.
Limited parking is available in the following areas:
- The Seaview ‘Sandy’ Car Park just south of the Seaton Carew Clock Tower (650 spaces). Parking in the Seaview Car Park will be free from 2pm.
If you park in the Seaview Car Park, when you leave you will only be able to turn left until The Front is reopened.
- The Hartlepool Bay Car Park near Newburn Bridge (62 spaces).
Disabled car parking is available in both car parks.
- Along the section of Coronation Drive between Warrior Drive and the steelworks bridge access road – parking restrictions will be suspended on the northbound side of the road only from mid-afternoon.
Demand for parking is expected to be high, so please get there early!
For operational and safety reasons, the Rocket House Car Park will be closed throughout the whole day and will not be available for parking. On-street parking will be suspended on The Front between Station Lane and Church Street.
Any visitors who park in residential streets are asked to please park legally and considerately – parking enforcement teams will be in operation to deal with inconsiderate or illegal parking.
Event parking will not be permitted on De Havilland Way and in the wider Dunes housing estate – parking will be strictly for residents only.
Traffic management staff will be in place on roads near to the event to provide advice and guidance.
If the immediate area around Seaton Carew becomes heavily congested, road closures may be applied at the Power Station roundabout, the Golden Flatts roundabout and Newburn Bridge.
Keep an eye on the Council’s social media channels for updates in the lead-up to the big night!