A GALAXY of top names have agreed to turn out for Pirates' gala dinner at Cherries' Vitality Stadium headquarters on Saturday, March 24.

Two members of this year's septet are already confirmed for the 70th anniversary bash in former world champion Chris Holder and two-time Elite League winner Josh Grajczonek, while Pirates team manager Neil Middleditch will also attend.

Middleditch's sparring partner Alun Rossiter – a former Poole captain and now team manager of Swindon – is also on the guest list.

Set to participate in Wimborne Road's season-opening meeting the previous night, six-time world champion Tony Rickardsson will be present and the Swede will be joined by Magnus Zetterstrom and Lars Gunnestad.

Also confirmed are Michael Lee, John Davis, Martin Yeates, Mike Cake, Kevin Smith and Mike Vernam.

Pirates chief Matt Ford expects to announce plenty more names for the event, with 60 per cent of tickets already sold.

Tickets are priced at £80 per person, with the option to purchase a full table of 10 for £750.

To purchase tickets, send your remittance and number of tickets required – along with a stamped addressed envelope – to Speedway Office, Poole Stadium, Wimborne Road, Poole, BH15 2BP.

Press and practice is due to take place on Wednesday, March 21, with a late afternoon start time.