The skies over Margate will be ablaze with colour at midnight on New Year’s Eve, ushering 2014 in with a spectacular firework display.

Nick Conington, owner of Sands Hotel, who has organised the event, said: “This is the hotel’s first Christmas and New Year in Margate, and I was surprised to discover that there have been no fireworks in Margate for years. In fact, nobody can remember when the sky was last lit up at this time of year. I think the main sands offer the perfect setting for a celebratory display.”

Saddened to hear that no event had been organized to see 2014 in, Nick immediately got the ball rolling with permissions, funding and sponsorship. Now the event has been given the official go ahead.

“I am delighted to announce that the skies over Margate will light up at midnight on December 31. The display will be set off from the end of the Harbour Arm. I can’t thank the council enough for getting behind the event and actually making it happen.

"I’m also grateful to Wetherspoons, Morgan’s and Café G, for their backing in lighting up Margate.

“The support from the public has been phenomenal too. Within days of announcing the event on the hotel’s Facebook page, we had nearly 3000 views,” Nick said.

The search for potential sponsors continues, if this event is to become an annual event.

For up-to-date information, check out the Light Up Margate Facebook page.