This weekend is one of the biggest in north Cumbria’s calendar.
Carlisle Fireshow takes place today Saturday, November 2, in Bitts Park.
Featuring a centrepiece bonfire and more than 2,000 fireworks, set to music, the event starts at 6.30pm and is the 35th fireshow to be held.
It is the biggest event in the region expected to attract more than 35,000 spectators.
This year’s event is organised with Merlin Fireworks Ltd.
For the first time Taste Cumbria will also bringing its food and drink festival in the heart of Carlisle today and tomorrow.
The overall events programme has been supported by the Government using the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Here’s everything you need to know.
Taste Cumbria
It will held today and tomorrow in the grounds of Carlisle Cathedral.
Taste Cumbria is partnering with the Carlisle Farmers Market and will include 40 food, drink, arts & craft stalls, live music on the festival stage, hot food stalls, children’s activities and face painting, street theatre and fire-themed entertainment.
Stalls will be open from 10am to 5pm today and 11am to 4pm tomorrow.
There will also be food and family entertainment for those attending the Fireshow in Castle Car Park between 5pm and 8.30pm on the night of the event.
Parking
The majority of Cumberland Council-run 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) – car park closures will be suspended this evening.
Traffic access
On Saturday, the following temporary traffic arrangements will apply:
- No vehicle access to Bitts Park.
- No vehicle access to Dacre Road (adjacent to Carlisle Castle and Bitts Park).
- Parking for Blue Badge holders will be available at Castle car park (formerly known as Devonshire Walk 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.
- No parking in Bitts Park car park.
- No vehicle access to Bitts Park from Willowholme or The Sheepmount.
The skate park will be closed on the day of the event.
Accessibility
A viewing area for people with disabilities including wheelchair users will be set aside on the Sheepmount Road. Up to two carers are allowed on the viewing area per individual.
After the event
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 pub, 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
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.
No fireworks of any kind, including sparklers, are allowed into this event.
Pets are also banned from the park.
The sale of glow sticks and other fluorescent items should only be purchased from official sales staff.
No alcohol is allowed.
Dig deep for charity
Visitors to this year’s Carlisle Fireshow are being asked to dig into the bottom of their pockets and support local charities.
Although the event is free to attend, a charity collection is held each year.
All donations go towards the Rotary in Carlisle, which donates most of its fundraising efforts to local good causes, and Pancreatic Cancer UK, the charity supported by the chair of Cumberland Andy Semple and Eden Valley Hospice, Carlisle mayor Chris Southward’s chosen charity.
