THERE is a dazzling evening of fun planned for Hartlepool's Fireworks and Music Spectacular.

The free event, on Saturday, November 5, organised by Hartlepool Borough Council, will take place at Seaton Carew and will include a boat parade.

The fun begins at 4pm with children's rides and stalls next to the paddling pool on the seafront, and local rock band SPG will perform next to the Clock Tower between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

The fireworks display will start at 6.30pm, with the countdown led by council chairman Carl Richardson.

The theme of the event will be the sea, with a parade of boats in the Tees Bay.

Lesley Strickland, of the council's arts, museums and events service, said: "The Fireworks and Music Spectacular is always hugely popular and we are bracing ourselves for a big turnout.

"With superb fireworks, great music and a smashing atmosphere, it's an evening definitely not to be missed.

"This year is the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot and the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, so there's even more reason to celebrate."

To reduce traffic congestion in Seaton Carew, shuttle buses will be operating from the Tesco car park in Burn Road, Hartlepool, between 5.15pm and 6.15pm, with buses returning from Seaton Carew between 7pm and 7.30pm. Return fares will be 90p for adults, 45p for children, or £2.20 for a family.

For more details, contact Mr Strickland on (01429) 523420, or for details about the shuttle buses, call Stagecoach Hartlepool on (01429) 267082.