This year’s Fireshow in Carlisle was enjoyed by an estimated audience of around 35,000 people.
Organised by Cumberland Council, the Bitts Park event celebrated Cumberland's countdown to the Tour de France.
The world's largest annual sporting event attracts millions of spectators along the route and a global television audience. The 2027 Grand Départ will begin in Edinburgh before finishing its opening stage in Carlisle on Friday 2 July. Stage Two will start in Keswick on Saturday 3 July before travelling through the Lake District and Lancashire to Liverpool.
In addition to a spectacular bonfire, this year’s Fireshow also resulted in more than 2,000 spectacular sparkling fireworks lighting up the sky. A Fireshow village, held in Castle car park, was an added attraction, offering food and family entertainment.
It was the 37th Fireshow event and was organised in conjunction with Merlin Fireworks Ltd.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“The Fireshow attracts an audience from across our area, bringing communities together to have fun in a safe environment. It never disappoints, and this year’s event was a great success. I’d like to thank all those that made it happen. It’s taken months of preparation, and it was made possible with the support of local businesses and organisations.
“Thanks also to our amazing events team, stewards, and Merlin Fireworks for putting on such a great show. The event was also supported by emergency services including the police, fire and ambulance.
“Local businesses and organisations have also provided support: BBC Radio Cumbria, Brampton Pallets, BWS Timber, Carlisle Rotary Club, Cumbria Waste Recycling, Johnstone’s Decorating Centre, Travis Perkins (Currock Road) and Wallace Oils.
“Also, thanks to the Cumbria Army Cadet Force - Harraby Detachment who are kindly going to assist us with litter picking after the event.”
Visitors to this year’s Carlisle Fireshow were 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 Every Life Matters, the charity supported by the Chair of Cumberland, Cllr Andy Semple and the Mayor of Carlisle, Anne Glendinning’s chosen charities - Meningitis Now