Sponsors are needed to help light up the night sky during this year’s Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta. Without financial backing it may not be possible to stage the popular firework display on both the Thursday and closing Saturday night.

The fireworks fund needs around £15,000 for the two night event, which includes the fees of the professional pyrotechnics firm that puts on the show, as well as a pontoon, security and insurance fees.

Regatta president and firework organiser Hilary Bastone said: “Because our Royal Regatta suffered such big losses in 2017 we are having to trim costs where possible.

“However, the fireworks have always been such a community tradition at Dartmouth dating back to the 1800s that we are working hard to find ways of continuing the celebrations with that added bang.

“Pains Fireworks who can trace their connection with the Regatta fireworks back to those early days have been accommodating in their quotation and are offering all the support they can to the Regatta.”

Traditionally, Saturday’s big 12-minute firework display set to music attracts thousands of spectators along the waterfront. It is hoped to stage two displays this year on both Thursday, August 30, and Saturday, September 1.Some sponsorship has already been found but more financial backing is needed if the town is to look forward to fireworks on both nights. In return, sponsors can expect a package of acknowledgements and advertising.

Anybody that can help or wants to find out more information can contact Hilary Bastone on email [email protected] or by calling 01803 835455.