People are invited to help create a piece of community artwork ahead of this year’s Hartlepool Fireworks Spectacular.

Hartlepool’s fireworks display is taking place on Sunday, November 1 at Seaton Carew.

Ahead of the annual event, Hartlepool Borough Council and community arts organisation BloomInArt are running a series of special workshops where people can learn how to create their own individual spark – a small woven form made from willow, sea grasses and reclaimed materials.

The finished sparks will then be brought together and illuminated to create a large-scale installation at the fireworks display and future events.

Pictured from left is BloomInArt co-director Emma Wheetman, Councillor Rob Darby and BloomInArt co-director Rachel Laycock.

placeholder image — Pictured from left is BloomInArt co-director Emma Wheetman, Councillor Rob Darby and BloomInArt co-director Rachel Laycock.

There are a number of workshops taking place to give people the chance to create the sparks.

Monday, October 26: Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre

10am until 11am

11.15am until 12.15pm

12.45pm until 1.45pm

2pm until 3pm

Bookings for these slots must be made in advance at https://www.culturehartlepool.com/events/bloom-in-arts-sparks-free-workshops/

Wednesday, October 28: Hartlepool Art Gallery

From 1pm until 4pm

Thursday, October 29: Community Hub Central

From 10am until 2pm

Councillor Rob Darby, chair of the council’s Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said: “The Hartlepool Fireworks Spectacular is one of the highlights of our events calendar, bringing thousands of people together every year, and this exciting project gives residents the chance to play a personal part in the celebration.

"Whether your spark is colourful, delicate, bold or adventurous, it will become part of something much bigger.

"By combining everyone's creations into a single illuminated display, we will create a powerful symbol of our community spirit and showcase the creativity that exists right across Hartlepool.

"I would encourage people of all ages to take part in the workshops and help put themselves at the heart of this year's spectacular event."

Rachel Laycock, co-director of BloomInArt, said: “We want people from every corner of Hartlepool to help create something truly special together.

"Each individual spark will be unique, reflecting the personality and imagination of the person who made it.

"When lots of sparks come together, they will form a beautiful collective artwork and a visible expression of the communities, neighbourhoods and generations that make Hartlepool such a vibrant place.

"These workshops are about creativity, connection and belonging, and we are looking forward to seeing people of all ages and abilities contribute their own spark to the celebration."