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Fireworks delight crowds at revamped waterfront

Pamela TickellNorth East and Cumbria
News imageDawn McNamara / Stockton Council Crowds of people line the area in front of the water. There are fireworks going off overhead. They look like blue lines intersecting as they rise. The sky is also dotted with golden sprays of light.Dawn McNamara / Stockton Council
About 25,000 people lined the newly-developed waterfront in Stockton

Thousands of people have returned to a town's first fireworks display since it redeveloped its waterfront.

About 25,000 attended Sunday night's display at the Stockton Waterfront urban park, which was set to a soundtrack inspired by the River Tees and water.

Stockton Borough Council has not held its firework display since 2021 due to the redevelopment of the town centre.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, cabinet member for environment, leisure and culture, said they were delighted to welcome the fireworks back, adding the area had undergone a "remarkable transformation" since they were last on.

There was also a funfair, food and drink stalls, and live music throughout the afternoon.

People commenting on social media after the event said the display was "spectacular", adding the town was "absolutely packed" and that it was "another huge win for our town".

The Labour-led council said it still did not have final costings for the event but it would be paid for using money approved in its budget.

News imageDawn McNamara / Stockton Council Four large fireworks bloom in the night sky, creating streaks of gold and red. There are further fireworks below them that are creating red lines which are rising into the sky, topped with blue sparkles.Dawn McNamara / Stockton Council
It was the first fireworks display since the town centre was redeveloped
News imageDawn McNamara / Stockton Council Crowds of people wearing warm weather gear such as woolly hats and scarfs are lining the waterfront area. It is dark and the water of the River Tees is glistening with reflected street lights.Dawn McNamara / Stockton Council
Attendees said the town was "absolutely packed"
News imageDawn McNamara / Stockton Council Fireworks light up the night sky. There are large, golden blooms high in the air. Then there are smaller streaks of red below. The colours are illuminated in the water of the River Tees below.Dawn McNamara / Stockton Council
Stockton Borough Council has not held its firework display since 2021
News imageDawn McNamara / Stockton Council White, red and green fireworks streak through the night sky. There are thousands of people watching from the waterfront.Dawn McNamara / Stockton Council
The council said it does not yet have the final costing of the event
News imageDawn McNamara / Stockton Council Four people, wearing grey and blue suits, are performing on the street for a surrounding crowd. One is playing a saxophone, another is singing, one is on the keyboard and one has a drum. It is night-time so the group is lit by a spotlight.Dawn McNamara / Stockton Council
The festivities also included live music, a funfair and food and drink stalls

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