This weekend will see Carlisle Fireshow light up the skies above the great Border City.
Now in its 34th year, it is organised by Cumberland Council and is set to attract over 35,000 people and will celebrate Cumberland, the area and its communities.
Here is everything you need to know about the event.
When does Carlisle Fireshow take place?
Carlisle Fireshow, organised with Merlin Fireworks Ltd, happens in Bitts Park on Saturday, November 4, and starts at 6.30pm.
There will be a centrepiece bonfire and more than 2,000 spectacular fireworks, set to music.
Is it free to attend Carlisle Fireshow?
It is free to attend Carlisle Fireshow, but there is an opportunity to donate to charity while you are there. All donations go towards the Rotary in Carlisle and the Great Air Ambulance, the charity supported by the chair of Cumberland, Carni McCarron-Holmes and the mayor of Carlisle Abdul Harid’s chosen charities – Cash for Kids, Carlisle Foodbank and Carlisle One World Centre.
What else is happening in Carlisle?
A fireshow village in Castle car park – formerly known as Devonshire Walk car park -will provide food and family entertainment before and after the main event.
It will be open between 5pm and 8.30pm.
In addition to food and drink providers, there will also be family entertainers – a cyber stilt walker, Stu-Di-Doo and the Bjamba Band, plus face painting and children’s funfair rides.
Can I bring alcohol to Carlisle Fireshow?
The fireshow is a family event, and no alcohol will be permitted on site or within the fireshow village in Castle car park.
Where can I park to attend Carlisle Fireshow?
The majority of Cumberland Council car parks are available for use throughout the day. People are reminded to read the car park information boards or visit www.cumberland.gov.uk/parking for more information.
Barrier-controlled car parks – West Walls and Caldew Riverside – will have their closures suspended on the evening of Saturday November 4.
Parking for Blue Badge holders will be available at Castle car park. This will be available on a first come, first served basis with the last entry at 5.45pm. Vehicles parked within this car park will not be able to leave until 8.30pm.
There is no parking in Bitts Park car park.
Can I bring my own fireworks?
For safety reasons, no fireworks of any kind – including sparklers – are allowed into this event.
Can I bring my dog to Carlisle Fireshow?
Pets are prohibited from the park: they should be kept safely at home to avoid any possible distress.
What if I’m driving around Carlisle?
The following temporary traffic arrangements will apply throughout Saturday November 4:
- No vehicle access to Bitts Park.
- No vehicle access to Dacre Road (adjacent to Carlisle Castle and Bitts Park).
- No vehicle access to Bitts Park from Willowholme or The Sheepmount.
What facilities are there for disabled people at Carlisle Fireshow?
A special viewing area for people with disabilities including wheelchair users will be set aside on the Sheepmount Road. Up to two carers allowed on the viewing area per individual.
What if I’m on foot?
After the event has ended, those wanting to walk to the west of the city will be filtered to the right of Devonshire Walk (towards Caldewgate and the pedestrian crossing opposite the former Globe public house) and those wanting to walk into the city centre will be filtered to the left and will then be able access Castle Street across Castle Way (between the barriers opposite the Castle).
Safety information
Visitors are asked to note that by the very nature of the event, smoke, noise, embers and mud underfoot, are inevitable.
All are requested to be mindful of the risks and to come prepared for such eventualities: warm clothing and suitable footwear.
Other information
- The skate park will be closed on the day of the event.
- The sale of glow sticks and other fluorescent items should only be purchased from official sales staff.
