Fireworks will light up Withernsea seafront on Friday night as the finale to a major community event centred on coastal safety.
The display, at 6.45pm, will bring Cllr Kristina Richardson’s Coastal Community Safety event to a close following an afternoon of activities, emergency services displays and a firewalk involving about 90 people.
The event, running from 4pm to 7pm, is part of the mayor’s chosen cause for her civic year, with money raised through the firewalk going towards the installation of lifesaving throw lines along the seafront.
Valley Gardens will be busy throughout the afternoon with live music, stalls and activities, food and refreshments and the chance to meet crews from HM Coastguard, the RNLI, fire and police services.
There will also be mascots and family attractions including children’s rides, hook-a-duck, roast chestnuts and doughnuts, with entertainment continuing right up to the firewalk at 6pm.
The firewalk is being led by the Fundraising Firewalk Association, with participants representing a wide range of local businesses, charities, community groups and organisations – including the team at the Gazette.
Cllr Richardson said she had been “blown away” by the response.
She said: “What started as one of my slightly crazy ideas has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined.
“This challenge is about so much more than walking across hot coals and embers. Every penny raised will go towards installing lifesaving throw lines along our seafront, helping to strengthen our coastal safety infrastructure.”
Large-scale signs are also due to be put up in Valley Gardens ahead of the event.
Five double-sided hoardings carrying the “Stop, Think, Act” message – which is also on the permanent signs installed on the Pier Towers in September – are expected to go up on Friday morning, weather permitting.
Darrin Stevens, of the Withernsea Riff-Raff heritage project, said the signs would also feature historic images as part of its main theme, Looking Back to Move Forward.
Darrin has supplied the images, with the artwork created by Breon Snowdon of Real Design, and installation will be carried out by AM Signs.
Preparatory work has already been completed, although strong winds have delayed the installation in recent days.
The event will then end with the fireworks display at 6.45pm, giving spectators the chance to watch the firewalk before staying on for the finale.
Visitors have also been reminded by Withernsea Town Council that Memorial Car Park will be closed throughout Friday, with emergency vehicles, event stalls and other activities occupying the site.
