Families hoping to see the annual firework display at Bluewater have been left disappointed.

The November tradition is often marked as the start of Christmas but the shopping centre has confirmed it will not host the show this year.

In 2018 the 'Light Night' was described as a "spectacular display of fireworks and lasers" which lit up the yellow plaza car park.

Bluewater did not comment on why the display, like in 2017, will not be happening.

A statement read: "As was the case in 2017 there will not be a firework display this year however Bluewater’s popular Santa’s Grotto and new larger Ice Rink will be open from 14th November."

The firework display usually happens alongside the Christmas light switch on, and last year Heart Radio presenters Becky Ives and Jonny Meah hosted the 'Light Night'.

One woman told News Shopper her sister worked in Bluewater and that staff were told last week.

She added: "Thousands of local families are going to be really disappointed.

"It is such a Christmas highlight and many of us think of the firework display as a goodwill gesture for the road and traffic congestion they cause all year around – especially because it's free."

She also said the firework saga will be an "ongoing topic" and is being debated by residents in local Facebook groups.

Some social media users have described Bluewater’s decision as a blessing for pets who will not have to listen to the noise.

However, one mum, whose daughter works in Bluewater, blasted the decision and said many families will feel let down.

"Being free it is a real benefit for the poorer local community," she said. "They have been doing the display for donkey’s years."

Bluewater added that the Christmas lights will be turned on on November 7.

The statement read: "This year Bluewater’s Christmas lights will be turned on from Thursday 7th November in conjunction with the launch of the Bluewater Giving Tree, which supports 50 different children’s charities each year."