THE need to boost the economy of Poole Quay and the town centre has led to a re-think of the Summer Breeze events.

This year there will be no summer firework evenings on the beach at Sandbanks and the long-running event will concentrate on fun Thursday nights on the quay.

There will be six weeks of live music, street entertainment and family fun followed by fireworks over Poole Harbour from July 25 and every Thursday evening in August.

In previous years the popular event has started at the quay in July and moved to the beach in August. This summer there will be three fewer firework evenings but the wave 105 Summertime in the South programme promises new events including a free folk festival on the quay on June 29-30.

“Times have been really difficult throughout the year,” said Graham Richardson, Poole Tourism manager. “The tourism partnership management board is keen to make sure we do what has the greatest economic impact.”

Summer Breeze first moved to the beach in 2001 and has been part of the annual event ever since, sponsored by the FJB Collection and supported by the Sandbanks Beach Café and Branksome Beach Restaurant since 2011.

Bruce Grant-Braham, chairman of Poole Tourism Partnership, said: “The local businesses that support the events and pay for the fireworks wanted to concentrate Summer Breeze on Poole Quay over the main summer holiday period.

“After talking to partners, Poole Tourism Partnership took the decision to focus the event at the time and location that provides the most economic impact for the town.

“Our aim in putting on special events is always to provide entertainment for visitors and residents to enjoy whilst benefitting the local tourism and hospitality business that invest in the town.”

Graham Richardson added: “Poole is a great location for special events and this is an exciting time to be involved.”