Organisers' plea to ensure future of regatta

The fireworks have been a big part of Whitby Regatta for generations

Organisers of the Whitby Regatta have appealed for support to help cover the event's soaring costs.

The weekend of maritime entertainment is set to return for its 184th regatta on 17 August.

However, the Regatta committee estimated it would cost about £40,000 to fund the free event, which would not include the usual air display.

In a bid to cover the costs, organisers hope to raise £5,000 through a crowdfunding campaign to pay for the firework display.

Jon Stokoe, who is on the committee, said the regatta had brought rowing races, funfairs and vintage car shows to Whitby for "generations".

Starting in 1833, the event attracts thousands of locals and tourists to the area, with many taking to the water to participate in "fierce competitions".

Hundreds of people take to the water during the regatta to participate in rowing races and sea swims

The event has never been ticketed, relying instead on sponsorship from local businesses.

"We also used to rely on donations from collection buckets that went around but people just don't carry cash anymore," Mr Stokoe said.

"The costs go up every year, whether it be performers fees or on healthy safety measures. Everyone is feeling the pinch."

He said the fundraiser was for the "expensive but spectacular" firework display on the final night of the regatta, which lasted about 20 minutes and everyone looked forward to.

However, he said there were also other ways locals could "keep the regatta going for future generations".

"Whitby is a big town but it is staggering how few volunteers we get," Mr Stokoe said.

"It is the town's regatta but over the last few years, we can't get enough people."

He appealed for anyone who could volunteer a few hours of their time to steward over the weekend.

"We hope local people in Whitby will get involved and keep it going," Mr Stokoe said.

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