THE skies will be lit up on Saturday night as east Cleveland's biggest fireworks event gets under starters orders at Redcar Racecourse.

More than 4,000 people are expected to flock to the racecourse for a massive fun and fireworks event organised by The Clarion, The Northern Echo's free weekly sister paper in east Cleveland, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Redcar Town Centre Management and Aria Events Management.

The fireworks bonanza was held at the racecourse for the first time last year after it became apparent that too many people wanted to go to the event, which used to be held in the town's Locke Park.

It proved to be such a hit with local people that this year's event promises to be truly spectacular.

As part of a great night out, a wide variety of family entertainment, live music and a fun fair for children is on offer to bring everyone together.

Compere for the evening will be Stewart MacFarlane, of BBC Radio Cleveland.

The entertainment starts at 6pm and goes right through to 9.30pm with the fireworks extravaganza starting at 7pm and the fair running from 6pm until 10pm. The bar will be open until 10.30pm.

Admission is £1.50 for adults and 50p for children payable at the gate and there is plenty of free car parking available at the Redcar Lane entrance to the racecourse.

All the proceeds from the event will go towards the Christmas lights appeal in Redcar town centre.