Mystery surrounds laser display at Spitbank Fort in the Solent

A statement on the Royal Navy’s website said: ‘Notice is hereby given by The Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth that a pyrotechnics and laser display will take place on (Spitbank) Fort (50°46.23N 001°05.93W) in the approaches to Portsmouth, on the evening of Monday, September 14.’

However the reason for the display remains guarded in secrecy following ‘boat loads of equipment’ being ferried out of Gosport Marina.

Harry Salmon, 20, who works as dry stacker customer service adviser, at the marina said: ‘There were five or six transit vans which have arrived here today. They spent most of the day loading speakers, lights and amplifiers onto the Solent Fort Cat boat which has been going in and out of the marina all day.

‘I have seen the Harbour Master’s announcement about the display but we have not been informed about the reason behind it.’

The display is scheduled to run between 9.15pm and 10.15pm and boats in the vicinity have been warned to keep a distance of at least 300 metres away from the fort.

The notice added: ‘Mariners are advised to keep at least 300 metres clear of Spitbank Fort while the display is in progress.

'QHM Harbour Control will be kept informed of progress of the display.’

The fort is currently a luxury ‘island’ hotel with nine guest suites plus staff accommodation, as well as a restaurant, two bars and a ‘wine cave’.

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