MILLPORT'S September Weekend celebrations will blast off as planned this weekend after a successful Crowdfunding appeal.

Thousands of pounds have been secured to help stage the much-loved festival, which has a full-line up for the first time in three years.

A total of £2,567 has been raised towards the target of £3,000 - with the Isle of Cumbrae Tourist Association hoping for one final push.

Spokesman Scott Ferris said: "We need to raise funds towards the firework display and we promise to give people plenty of bang for their buck."

The island can look forward to several days of old fashioned family fun, with everything from a sandcastle building competitions to a giant crab search all lined up.

Scott said: "It's a throwback to traditional times without technology and is always hugely popular.

"The September Illuminations event dates back to the mid-1930s, and late night shopping, fireworks and a family ceilidh were always part of the programme, but the varied and fun free competitions capture the imagination too."

The big fireworks display takes place at Straw'wherry Jetty at 8pm on Saturday night and will be followed by a ceilidh at the DA Hall.

The sand sculpture competition takes place on Saturday at Newton Beach from 10am, and the biggest crab search takes place at the pier on Sunday from midday. The Crocodeli shop will be providing equipment.

The mini Millport's Got Talent competition makes its big return on Sunday at The DA Hall from 2pm (rehearsals and registration from 11am). The talent competition is for children four to 12 years old and they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

There will be children's entertainment at the DA Hall on Saturday from 2pm, which also includes a fancy dress competition, and judges will be out on the streets for the best dressed house competition on Saturday from 6pm.

There is a children's story competition for age 12 and under. Entries should be handed into Mapes by 6pm on Friday, with a photography competition now live on the Millport September Weekend Facebook page.

To donate to the crowdfunder, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/september-weekend-fireworks-display.