HARWICH saw in the new year in style with a huge fireworks display which attracted revellers from far and wide.

The town’s beloved annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display returned with a bang on Sunday night and with inclement weather raining off other nearby displays, huge crowds turned up to Harwich Quay to welcome 2024.

Organiser Betty Holbrook, who has long been involved in the annual event, said the display on the historic Ha’penny Pier was “absolutely superb”.

“It was a wonderful show of fireworks which went on for quite a long time,” the 94-year-old said.

“I had lots of people from Colchester, Clacton, and even Suffolk phoning me in the afternoon to check it was still on because it had been raining.

“So many people turned up that you couldn’t get across the quay. I was so pleased.”

Betty’s celebrations continued into the early hours of the morning as she welcomed the hardworking volunteers who made the event a success back to her home to continue the festivities.

The evening, which was supported by the Harwich Haven Authority, Trinity House, and Harwich Town Council, raised hundreds of pounds which will be re-invested into next year’s display.

Donations are still being accepted online at tinyurl.com/3pbjuth9.