LNTM 31-24 – New Year’s Fireworks

All mariners and others are advised that there will be a fireworks display from a barge moored on MS1 buoy in Dartmouth at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

There will be a single maroon at 23:50 on Tuesday 31st December 2024, followed by a full display at midnight.

There will be the following restrictions during the display:

• The entire river will be closed between the Lower Ferry and a line from the Boatfloat to the north end of Darthaven Marina from 23:50 until 00:10
• Town Jetty will be closed to all but boat crews from around 23:00
• Double Steps Pontoon will be closed to all but Dittisham Ferry passengers from around 23:00, and will be closed completely from 23:50 until 00:10
• The quay edge of South Embankment (from the Lower Ferry – Town Jetty) will be closed off from around 15:00.  This will include the area back from 1m from the quay edge, including all steps.

The fireworks will not take place unless all of these areas remain clear!

The forecast weather is SW force 5-8.  The barge is positioned to provide plenty of space for the wind in this direction, but there may be some small pieces of card debris in the KA / Darthaven area.  These will not cause any damage or fire risk.  The current forecast is for dry conditions.

There will be a late-night ferry service running from Double Steps Pontoon in Dartmouth to Kingswear Ferry Pontoon, from 23:30 – 00:45, operated by Dittisham Ferries.  All other ferries and the yacht taxi will stop at normal time.

We will be strict at enforcing alcohol and navigation light byelaws, and highly recommend wearing lifejackets if afloat.  Please do not consider using your boat if you have been drinking or it is not properly equipped.

Thanks to the Dart Harbour team who will be carrying out the late-night logistics, to the volunteer marshalls, to Marine Plant Hire for the use of the barge for fireworks, to Explore Dartmouth for making the arrangements, and to all sponsors.  Without all of these, we wouldn’t be able to re-introduce what will hopefully be a spectacular event!

Happy New Year to you all from Dart Harbour!