WATCH: Fireworks and pop stars delight thousands at Gunwharf

Gunwharf Quays was packed with crowds eager to catch the annual ‘must-see’ fireworks extravaganza.

The 20-minute performance was preceded by performances from Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle and X Factor winner Matt Terry.

They got people in the party mood with their hits before the fireworks stole the show.

Emma Andrade, from Portsmouth, said the fireworks were ‘too good to miss.’

She said: ‘Every year we look to take the kids down as it really is a must-see.

‘The way the show combines with the music and the family atmosphere just makes it that bit better than the other displays. It is too good to miss really.’

Sadia Sima. 19, from Fratton, said: ‘I absolutely love it.

‘The setting down here for a fireworks display is just really great and I look to come here every year to see them.

‘The past few years have been really amazing as well. They just blow me away each time.’

Along the shoreline of the outlet shopping complex, families, students, couples and children snapped selfies and took video footage of the display on their phones.

Andy Pickles, from Waterlooville, said: ‘I just love the energy of the performance and the way the fireworks reflect on the water. Each year, it just gets better.’

Heather Stokes, also from Waterlooville, added: ‘It is great to be part of something that feels so local and really engages with people.

‘I think that it also signals the start of the Christmas shopping season!’