Blackheath Fireworks may not be able to continue in the future due to lack of finances, Lewisham Council has revealed.

More than 80,000 people watched the free fireworks display on November 4, but the struggle to finance it each year is causing an increasing strain on the council.

A Lewisham Council spokeswoman said: “Despite immense financial pressure as we face a 63 per cent cut in government funding by 2020, we remain committed to keeping Blackheath Fireworks free for as long as we can.

“However, the costs of putting on the event increases year on year. As the event grows in popularity, more visitors mean an increase in the cost of the infrastructure we need to hire to look after those visitors and local residents, such as toilets, barriers, security and road closures.

“So we have to raise more in donations and sponsorship to fill the gap.”

So far this year Lewisham Council has raised £9,200 to put towards holding the fireworks display again next year, but have said it still needs much more.

The council has been asking local businesses to sponsor the fireworks display and want even more to get in touch.

The council spokeswoman said: “We hope that local businesses and everyone who enjoys the display will support us to keep it going.”