THE 2,000 people who turned up for Bournemouth's non-existent New Year's fireworks have had little sympathy, but plenty of ribbing, from the Daily Echo's online readers.

As we reported earlier in the week, people gathered on the seafront at midnight on New Year's Eve, assuming there would be fireworks as in previous years.

But the event didn't happen because Bournemouth Tourism had not been able to find a sponsor.

Dibbles from Bournemouth said: "Anyone with any sense going out at that time of night would check it was still on, surely?"

And Richard from Bournemouth mocked people who "turned up for a display that wasn't advertised as taking place".

Another reader, Rich, wrote: "How I laughed when I read this story. I'd love to have seen their faces.

"At what point did they realise there weren't going to be any fireworks?"

Flowerfairy from Poole said: "I had a fab time in the warm at a house party.

"All I can say is more fool the 2,000 people who didn't bother to check if there was going to be a display or not!

"I bet if there had been a display, people would have been moaning about a waste of taxpayers' money and too much noise!"

The seafront display was cancelled because Bournemouth Tourism failed to find a sponsor.

Godzilla, from Hamworthy, said: "Bournemouth always used to have the best fireworks displays but they have been disappointing these last three years.

"When they started it was music and live bands, then the 2CR Wagon, then nothing, and this year no fireworks."

Other visitors to our website - bournemouthecho.co.uk - welcomed the opportunity to share some tongue-in-cheek humour.

Paul from Christchurch wrote: "Could all residents please note that I will not be providing fireworks tonight, just in case you were thinking of turning up?"

And the story was even used as a stick with which to beat out-of-form AFC Bournemouth.

Big Rich from Ferndown insisted: "Some non-events are advertised.

"I've been going to the Fitness First Stadium every other Saturday to watch a complete non-event and around 5,000 people turn up for that."