The Colne Yacht Club’s fireworks display in Brightlingsea takes place tonight – November 4 – and the club has issued a guide to getting the best out of the event.
Cancelled due to the pandemic last year, the display will take place on the Hard in front of the of the club. A barbecue and refreshments will be available from 5.30pm, with the bonfire being lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks scheduled to start at 7pm and last for up to 15 minutes. Entry is free, but visitors are requested to make a donation.
Commodore Charlie Heywood comments “While the Colne Yacht Club is the main organiser of this event, we are delighted to work with a number of local organisations and businesses who make donations to help pay for some of the fireworks or provide support in other ways. This year we would like to acknowledge support from the following: Essex Cement, Brightlingsea Harbour, Brightlingsea Town Council, Orsted, A&B Storage, French Marine Motors, Park and Ride, The Yachtsman’s Arms, Brightlingsea Rugby Club, Osborne Printers, Tendring District Council, Pontoon Providers and Dynamic Fireworks. Without their help and support this event would not be possible. I should also give a special word of thanks to our members and volunteers who work so hard to make this all possible”.
Display Guide
Best viewing point
The best location is in front of the Colne Yacht Club on the Hard but this location fills up fairly early on. The crowd then tends to gather in front of the Harbour Office and at the top of the Hard but care needs to be taken to ensure everyone is at a safe distance. If the area is too crowded you may be directed to the Prom where some fireworks may be visible, but not the bonfire.
Music and announcements
Local residents will be pleased to know that all music and announcements associated with the event will finish by 8pm.
Road closures
The roads around the Hard will be coned off for the event. Please ensure your car is moved by 8am on Thursday morning to allow easy access to the area.
Between 2 pm – 8 pm on the 4th November, there will be additional barriers in place, blocking off entrance to the Waterside by the fish and chip Shop and also between the Harbour Office and Waterside Deli. The public are asked to respect these barriers and not to park in the area or in front of the barriers.
Emergency Services
Emergency services have requested that all roads are kept clear to ensure access at all times for all roads leading to the event. Please do not park illegally! We would like to keep all residents safe. The Fire Brigade will be on site, and again need access and egress to be clear in case of call out.
Parking
If you have to drive, parking will be available in car parks at the bottom of Tower Street, in Oyster Tank Road and along Promenade Way.
Toilets
Public Toilets will be open in the Marina and on Promenade Way for the duration of the event.
Personal Fireworks
Please do not bring any fireworks or sparklers to the event. Anyone found lighting anything in the area will be removed from the site. Please note it is also illegal to light flares on bonfire night. Anyone with out-of-date flares needs to dispose of them in the correct manner.
MARSHALLS
Colne Yacht Club members will be present at key locations around the Hard to ensure your safety. As such, if you are asked to step back from a barrier, or not to cross one we would be grateful if could oblige. There are certain distances that we need to ensure are present between the bonfire, fireworks and the audience. If people get too close, we have no choice but to delay or even cancel the planned activities.
Covid-19
This event takes place outside which will minimise the risk to others but please ensure that you do retain a safe distance. We also request that you stay at home if you are showing any signs of Covid- 19 or have a cough or a temperature. In the unlikely event of another Lockdown the event would be cancelled.
Clean Up
If you can’t find a suitable bin, please take your rubbish and dispose of it at home. The volunteers will be clearing up on Thursday evening and again on Friday. It helps if they don’t have to pick up litter as well.
