In Beijing as they prepare to ignite the Olympic cauldron, the Isle of Wight will see the end of this years Skandia Cowes Week with a spectacular fireworks display.

As Cowes Week title sponsor Skandia hosts its final fireworks display, those attending, are being advised to avoid using the Cowes Floating Bridge unless absolutely necessary.

This year new health and safety restrictions placed on the Floating Bridge, may cause long queues and crowds gathering either side of the bridge.

Spectators are advised to watch the fireworks from one of the three designated viewing areas at East Cowes seafront, Cowes Parade, and Prince’s Green, and to use the park and ride services which are being provided by the council on both sides of the river.

Keep your eyes to the sky as we could still see the Vulcan fly over at 7.pm, whilst the Red Arrows will do a fly past at 7.30 p.m and the fireworks are due to be set off approximately 9.30p.m from a barge just to the west.

With fantastic viewing areas in both East and West Cowes, the need for people to use the Floating Bridge on fireworks evening should be reduced.

On fireworks night, and following advice from the police, the council is introducing measures to enable large numbers of people to cross the river safely. All passengers will be counted on to the Floating Bridge to comply with the safety legislation put in place and enforced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Vehicles, except emergency services vehicles, will not be permitted on the Floating Bridge between 1800 and midnight. The restriction is only expected to impact on the Cowes fireworks night, traditionally the Floating Bridge’s busiest night of the year, with passenger numbers well above average.

Information about the Floating Bridge times and capacities will be publicised widely leading up to and throughout Skandia Cowes Week via posters, flyers, and radio announcements.