Fireworks heading for Great Yarmouth and Hemsby

They are annual seafront spectacles that see Great Yarmouth and the neighbouring resort of Hemsby spark into life with night time firework shows.

From the end of this month a dozen displays will explode in the skies above Great Yarmouth and nearby Hemsby, on Wednesdays and Tuesdays respectively.

They are sponsored by the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area as part of its drive to attract more tourists.

And now a survey has shown the events have a positive spin-off for a range of traders in the area from eateries to attractions.

A questionnaire among visitors to Yarmouth and Hemsby revealed:

86pc were visitors to the area

73pc were staying in holiday parks, chalets and caravans

Average daily spends were £56 on accommodation and £72 on 'extras'

42pc said they spent £27 more than if there had been no fireworks

35pc also went to amusement arcades, casinos and bingo

19pc ate out, 18pc visited local attractions, others went shopping or visited pubs

90pc said the displays were excellent or good, as a free, family-friendly event which they also felt was good for local businesses.

49pc said their visit changed their perception of Great Yarmouth and Hemsby for the better.

GYTABIA chairman Gareth Brown said: 'We always felt our fireworks were good for the local community as well as the visitors.

'But this survey has proved that to be true.

'The displays are an important part of the Greater Yarmouth visitor calendar.

'They bring spending power boost to the area – from pubs and restaurants to cafes and corner shops – and we are pleased to support them through our GYTABIA grant funding.'

The first display is at Hemsby at Whitsun on Sunday May 28 at 10pm, and then on six Tuesday nights starting on July 25th.

Great Yarmouth's summer fireworks run for six weeks from Wednesday July 26, with live entertainment on the Sealife Centre Gardens from 8pm, seafront attractions open late and fireworks at 10pm.