Helensburgh fireworks display to light up skies this November

Last year’s event was well attended, with 5,000 spectators turning out despite poor weather.

Duncan Reid, a member of the round table, told the Advertiser the group was looking for sponsorship from local businesses to secure the event for the area – as it is currently funded entirely by donations.

He said: “What we are trying to do is raise money, we would like to get some local businesses sponsoring us – which we’ve never done before.

“We’ve got a shortfall of £1,900, and have £2,600 left over from last year’s event.

“We rely entirely on donations. It costs around £4,500 to make sure the fireworks happen. It was a pretty miserable night last year, so donations are a wee bit down.” He said the group was making the move to obtain sponsorship as it has always counted on donations.

He added: “We can’t expect people to keep funding it but without funding there won’t be a display. I think a lot of people think it’s council run – but it has always been us that does the display.” The Helensburgh Round Table is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and Mr Reid said members had been putting on fireworks displays in the town for most of that time.

It was hoped there would be the return of a bonfire on the night, but Mr Reid said this was ‘unlikely’ to go ahead. Due to CHORD project equipment and materials being displayed at the marina, there was no bonfire for the past two years.

He said there could be anything between 3,000 and 6,000 people attending this year’s event.

He added businesses throughout Helensburgh and Lomond ‘do benefit’ from the display.

The event will be held next month, and organisers are planning to have more vendors at the marina. Mr Reid said: “We are hoping to do a bit more this year, but we do not have all the details in place.” For any businesses interested in sponsoring the fireworks, Mr Reid said they could get in touch through the Helensburgh and District Round Table’s website.