The big outdoor show that closes SummerTimes with a bang, Rick Armstrong Motors Classical Sparks, has gained another three years of support from its namesake sponsor.

The Hagley Park concert and fireworks has been part of the SummerTimes festival since 1985. Last year a record crowd estimated at 120,000 came to watch.

Every year around 1000 fireworks are used to paint the night sky. It takes days of work to set them up. The Christchurch Symphony and its guest performers spend months in preparation, rehearsing a programme to appeal to all ages.

Hamish Lamont of Rick Armstrong Motors says the event is a great opportunity for the company to thank the public of Christchurch by giving something back.

Tim Scandrett, leader of the City Council’s leisure events team, says sponsors are hugely important to Council festivals.

“Feature festivals of this type wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors,” he says.

• Rick Armstrong Motors Classical Sparks wraps up this summer’s festival on Saturday, 1 March next year.