AROUND 10,000 people packed out Poole Quay for the town’s annual bonfire night fireworks display.

The Tuesday event, thought to be one of the biggest free fireworks displays on the south coast, included a host of attractions in the three-hour build-up to the main show.

It was so busy that thousands of people were caught up in lengthy traffic delays getting out of town afterwards.

See more pictures from Poole Quay's annual fireworks display and other events across Dorset in our gallery

Some motorists reported delays of one-and-a-half hours just to leave the Sainsbury’s car park.

Poole Tourism manager Graham Richardson said: “Thousands of people came out and were entertained. We had live music, an Elvis impersonator, a band called BB3 and even some fire jugglers.”

There were also a number of children’s rides and activities, including a bouncy castle and circus workshops. And the Quay’s pubs and restaurants reported brisk trade.

Mr Richardson said: “The premises along the quay were busy and there were boat trips out onto the harbour for the fireworks as well.”

The 15-minute firework display, organised by Poole Tourism, was set off from a barge in Poole harbour at 8pm.

“It is believed to be one of the biggest free firework displays on the south coast,” said Mr Richardson.

On the delays afterwards, he said: “People did have to be a bit patient because of the sheer volume of numbers that were here. There were delays getting out of the town centre.

“A lot of people parked in the car parks further out from the centre and walked in.”