Gala night and auction at Royal Hotel set to raise much-needed funds for Whitby Regatta

The event at The Royal Hotel on Saturday, July 25 is set to feature a three-course dinner, auction of promises, raffle, games and a disco.

Chairman of Whitby Regatta, Ivor Greer, said: “This was an idea conceived last year but the original date was postponed as it clashed with Children in Need.

“So we said ‘why don’t we up it a bit’ and make it a sit down dinner, make it a more relaxed night, and nearer the regatta so it’s a couple of weeks before and everyone’s in the mindset that Whitby Regatta is just around the corner and needs funds.

“We’re hoping to raise a lot of money on the night.”

Mr Greer said they are trying to sell tables of eight, 10 and 12 people, but if it’s just a couple, or four people, then there is flexibility.

Organisers are currently building up prizes for the auction but these so far include an Arsenal football shirt signed by Hinderwell’s England star Beth Mead, a holiday cottage stay in Grassington, afternoon tea and Sunday dinner at the Fat Badger, VIP tickets to watch Whitby Town and a trip for six down Boulby Mine.

“We’re aiming for 200-plus people and if we achieve that, we will get at least £5,000 just from people attending,” he said, “but we’re hoping to raise a lot more on the night itself.”

Whitby Regatta normally costs between £25,000 and £30,000 to put the event on, and that’s without the Red Arrows or other air assets.

To add those in would take the costs past the £40,000 mark.

“It’s important that we raise as much on the night as we can,” said Mr Greer.

“But we need people's participation.”

People are being asked to dress to impress for the gala night, which gets under way at 6.45pm.

It is just one of the ways people can support the regatta, which takes place this year on August 8, 9 and 10.

A Crowdfunder is ongoing to raise cash for the regatta which hosts, every year, thrilling boat races, parades, fairground rides and all culminating in spectacular fireworks display on the final night.

Click https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/whitby-regatta-2026 if you’d like to contribute.

The regatta committee is also on the hunt for ambassadors - additional people aged 16 or over who can help out over the weekend.

Duties may include assisting marshalls with a range of activities including tombola, beach competitions, parades and setting areas up.

Volunteers can opt for half days to see what they think, and could then do a full day or more.

Letters of appreciation will be given to everyone for their involvement and refreshments will be provided.

If you’d like to help, email [email protected] or contact site manager Mike on 07970 614035.

“Things are moving forward now in a lot of areas,” added Mr Greer.

“Any fresh blood would be welcome.”