Carlisle's Fireshow

Fireshow Facts

• Carlisle Fireshow began in 1987 as a community event designed to bring local families together for a fun night out in a safe environment. Around 200 people were expected to attend the first event however it attracted a 2,000 strong crowd.
• The 1987 Fireshow was held on October 31st. The event is now staged on the Saturday nearest to November 5th.
• In 1990 there were four bonfires. A 40-foot bonfire now forms the centrepiece of each event.
• Around 1,000 wooden pallets are used and are donated by Crown Bevcan and other local businesses, and a number of lengths of timber donated by BSW Timber. No chemicals, toxins or pollutants are used and by making the bonfire a 'hollow' build, the burn time is minimal.
• Up until 1994, the fireworks for the Fireshow were released from inside the grounds of Carlisle Castle keep and battlements.
• The Carlisle Fireshow has developed it one of the biggest events of its kind in the UK, attracting a 35,000 strong crowd each year and is listed in The Times Top 10 bonfire list.
• Admission to the event is free but a collection is made for the Mayor’s Charity Fund and the Rotary Club Carlisle (South). in 2008, £8,135.17 was raised.
• Six people from the Black Powder Monkeys will be constructing this year’s 40-foot bonfire. A ten strong event facilities team will put the 300 barriers and fence panels in place, as well as the 30 temporary lights and generators and signage.
• Black Powder Monkeys will be supplying 10 staff for the firework display.
• Fifty stewards made up of City Council staff, Show and Event Security Ltd plus volunteers will marshal the event on the night working alongside staff from the Red Cross, St John Ambulance, Rotary Club, Park Patrols, Sea Cadets, Black Powder Monkeys, Slater's Fairground, Showtime Catering and Lost Children staff.
• Emergency services will be present on the night and the Site Management and Safety Team consist of members from the Police, Fire & Rescue Service, Red Cross, St John Ambulance, Council H&S Manager, Highways, Show & Event Security Ltd, Licensing and Environmental Health, plus the event organisers. The Site Management and Safety Document including the Risk Assessment is more than 100 pages long.
• Planning of the event takes several months and starts in July each year.

For further information on the above event, please contact 01228 817359 or Email Comsup@carlisle.gov.uk

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