Organisers of next month’s Bournemouth Fireworks say the event will be carbon neutral.
The three displays, on Saturday November 2nd at the Littledown Centre, are delivered by Pains, Britain’s longest established fireworks display company, and will use eco-shot fireworks with recyclable casings.
Pains is partnered with Just One Tree, a not-for-profit organisation that funds forest restoration projects all over the world.
By using EnvCalc, a tool designed specifically for the fireworks industry, Pains is able to calculate the amount of CO2 produced by Bournemouth Fireworks and make a donation to enable new trees to be planted that offset the carbon produced.
Ally Barter, Business Development and Projects Manager at Pains Fireworks, said: “Pains Fireworks are fully committed to reducing our environmental impact, and that’s why we have taken steps to ensure that every display that we deliver is carbon neutral.
“Reporting by the media on the impact of fireworks displays on the environment is often totally inaccurate.
“The truth is that a medium-sized fireworks display actually produces the environmental equivalent of an average car travelling around 20 miles.”
Michael Callaghan, Event Director, said: “Bournemouth Fireworks has been running for 26 years and, more so than ever, we are looking to the future and taking sustainability very seriously indeed.
“We’ve worked with Pains since we started and salute their commitment to reducing their impact on the climate.
“It’s an historic company that has set the standard for the industry and they’re going to great lengths to make environmentally friendly choices.
“Everyone can do their bit though and we’d encourage visitors to leave their cars at home wherever possible and make use of public transport, safe cycling routes, or walk to Bournemouth Fireworks.”
Pains’ association with fireworks can be traced back to the original Gunpowder Plot of 1605 to blow up King James I at the State Opening of Parliament on 5 November.
History suggests the barrels of gunpowder bought by Guy Fawkes were made “within earshot of the Bells of Bow”.
The only such manufacturer at that time was John Pain whose business evolved into the modern-day Pains Fireworks.
As in previous years, Bournemouth Fireworks offers three displays for the price of one with fireworks at 7pm, 8pm and the White Knuckle at 9pm which claims to be the latest and loudest fireworks display in the south.
This year, in honour of the recently announced reunion of arguably Britain’s biggest band since The Beatles, the live music arena is headlined by top tribute artists Oasiss.
Other attractions include the free family indoor zone, free have-a-go sports sessions for kids and a giant funfair.
There will be charity collections made for the RNLI, which is celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea.
Gates open at 5.30pm.