ONE OF the area’s most popular autumn events will be returning this year to light up the night sky.

The annual Bonfire by the Beach event will return this year, with fireworks, music and of course the bonfire. It is organised by the Bridport Round Table and Wet Bay Days as a free night of spectacular fireworks to light up the sky.

It will be taking place at West Bay's East Beach on Saturday, 29 October from 4.30pm onwards.

Entry to the event is free, but donations are encouraged to raise funds for local groups and causes.

Harbour master James Radcliffe said: “The bonfire on the beach always brings a good turnout, and it is thanks to the generous donations of those attending and local businesses that West Bay Days and Bridport Roundtable can continue running it as a free event; something particularly important during these difficult times.

"We hope to raise more than ever this year, so we can better support the local community groups and charities with the good work they are doing.”

Fireworks will commence at 8:00pm but before then there will be a bar, family entertainment, hot food, and live music. The evening is free of charge with any profits going towards the Christmas Tree on Harbour Green and to support local charities and groups working for the benefit of the local community.

This year once more will feature the Guy Fawkes competition, with entrants asked to present their models of the famous conspirator to the info tent before 5.45pm to be in with a chance of winning.

James Rooney from Bridport Round Table said: "The great thing about the event is that it is not just a firework show. Whilst the fireworks over the ocean are an impressive sight, the bonfire, bands, food, and drink make it a full evening out with the family."

In 2021 the event raised £6,396.21, which has been put back into the community in various ways, with funding going to local organisations such as schools, youth activity centres, and food banks, and to other individual recipients within the community who have specific needs which cannot otherwise be met.

A free shuttle bus will be running throughout the event, taking people from Bridport to West Bay.