BOURNEMOUTH’S firework season didn’t just go off with a bang in 2001 – it was atomic.

Top girl band Atomic Kitten helped launch the event on July 27, with a concert to thousands of fans.

The girls were enjoying one of the biggest chart successes of the year with Whole Again, and were promoting their follow-up single Eternal Flame.

The fireworks display over the pier were staged each Friday for the following six weeks.

Bournemouth Echo:

The girl group also made an appearance at V-Shop on Old Christchurch Road earlier that day to sign autographs for fans.

Pick up a copy of next Thursday’s Daily Echo to see pictures from the signing.