Poole Quay fireworks and light shows will go ahead, council pledges

The maritime-themed trail on Poole Quay is set to go ahead again in 2024

Summer fireworks and a Christmas light event will go ahead despite funding pressures, a council has insisted.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council confirmed both the Poole Quay Fireworks and Christmas Maritime Light Trail would run this year.

It said it had "not cancelled any events" and that it was working with local businesses to secure funding for other regular events to go ahead.

The council said it faced "tough choices" over spending.

In an update about plans for events at Poole Quay in 2024, BCP said it would also continue to pay for road closures and staffing for the Harry Paye Day family event organised by the Pirates of Poole.

'New way'

Millie Earl, the council's deputy leader, said: "We are working hard with Poole Quay's fantastic business community on options to ensure that other events, which the council can no longer support financially, can still take place.

"The financial pressures facing all local authorities meant that balancing our budget required some tough choices."

She said the authority "must move to a new way of working and become an organisation that enables others to take on some of the great work that has made these events popular".

Discussions were ongoing over the Dream Machines (Bike Night), Quay for my Car, and Mini Steam on the Quay, all of which took place in 2023, said BCP.

The possibility of the return of the Folk on the Quay event - which did not take place in 2023 - was also under discussion.

Jacqui Rock, of Poole Business Improvement District, said: "We are fully aware that we must consider a new way of working in these uncertain times and we have been working hard in the background to ensure that new opportunities exist too."

The council was warned last month it was facing a £30m structural gap as it attempted to balance its 2024/25 budget.

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