Fireworks spectacular brings Hartlepool Wintertide festival to an end

Hundreds of families turned out as the skies above Hartlepool's Headland were lit up with fireworks as part of the annual Wintertide festival.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Nov 2017, 17:39 BST
Updated 12th Dec 2017, 06:29 BST
A firework display from the Pilot Pier, Headland to mark the end of the Wintertide Festival. Picture by FRANK REIDA firework display from the Pilot Pier, Headland to mark the end of the Wintertide Festival. Picture by FRANK REID
A firework display from the Pilot Pier, Headland to mark the end of the Wintertide Festival. Picture by FRANK REID

The display brought to an end this year’s Wintertide, which began on Friday.

A festive market and funfair had been open across the weekend along with a range of craft workshops, art displays, film festival, creative performances and Christmas craft fairs.

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A firework display from the Pilot Pier, Headland to mark the end of the Wintertide Festival. Picture by FRANK REIDA firework display from the Pilot Pier, Headland to mark the end of the Wintertide Festival. Picture by FRANK REID
A firework display from the Pilot Pier, Headland to mark the end of the Wintertide Festival. Picture by FRANK REID

The amazing Heugh Battery Museum was also open all weekend on a donation basis.

Despite freezing temperatures, people of all ages came out to enjoy the last day of the festival and sample the spectacular fireworks display on the Pilot Pier.

Among those watching was Joan Wilson, 68, who said: “It’s really cold but you can see how popular this is by all the people that are here.

“I didn’t expect the fireworks to go on as long as they did. They were really good.”

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A firework display from the Pilot Pier, Headland to mark the end of the Wintertide Festival. Picture by FRANK REIDA firework display from the Pilot Pier, Headland to mark the end of the Wintertide Festival. Picture by FRANK REID
A firework display from the Pilot Pier, Headland to mark the end of the Wintertide Festival. Picture by FRANK REID

Brian Sanderson, 45, of Hartlepool, said: “I’ve been down today and Friday and enjoyed it both times.

“The Headland looks great when it’s all done up like this.”

The festival opened with a 100-strong lantern parade from the Heugh Battery Museum to the Town Square to mark the switch-on of the Christmas Tree and event illuminations.

Three-year-old Dottie O’Keefe, who has cerebral palsy, was the guest of honour for the festival’s opening night after she was invited to switch on the dazzling Christmas tree and festive illuminations.

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A firework display from the Pilot Pier, Headland to mark the end of the Wintertide Festival. Picture by FRANK REIDA firework display from the Pilot Pier, Headland to mark the end of the Wintertide Festival. Picture by FRANK REID
A firework display from the Pilot Pier, Headland to mark the end of the Wintertide Festival. Picture by FRANK REID

Dottie was invited to perform the honour by the organising committee.

Her family, supported by Miles for Men and Walk for Women, is trying to raise £35,000 for an operation not funded by the NHS to help her walk unaided.

Related topics:Hartlepool