FRIDAY night fireworks are returning with a big bang as Bournemouth launches its free summer fun programme.

The firework displays are making a welcome return to the town after an absence of five years.

This Friday will spark a host of free events that are to take place throughout the summer months.

The displays can be viewed from the East and West Pier at 10pm every Friday night throughout August. They are part of the Friday Family Fiestas being run by Bournemouth tourism and are the finale to a host of activities starting at 7pm.

Other activities include stilt walkers, street performers and circus workshops.

The displays are taking place on July 22 and 29 and August 5, 12 and 26.

The Kids Fun Festival runs from August 1-28 (weather permitting) where children can enjoy story times in the lower gardens from favourite children’s characters between 11am and 5pm.

And on Wednesday evenings visitors to the lower gardens will see a return of the much-loved Candle Nights.

Back with a new look this summer, the lower gardens will be illuminated with hundreds of tea lights.