Explosive event gets green light to go-ahead
(Date of issue: Thursday, 5 November 2009)
A decision was taken today (Thursday, 5 November) to go ahead
with this year’s Carlisle Fireshow, due to take place this Saturday
(7 November) in Bitts Park.
Following a site inspection by the Fireshow safety team this
morning, Carlisle City Council - the organisers of the event, gave
the green light for it to go ahead. Heavy rainfall throughout the
week had put it in doubt.
Due to the inclement weather, visitors to the event are advised
to wear suitable warm clothing and footwear such as wellingtons and
walking boots and to take extreme care when they are walking in and
around Bitts Park. Visitors with pushchairs are recommended not to
go on to the grassed areas. Although flood lighting will be place,
they are also recommended to bring their own torch and arrive early
to ease traffic congestion.
Cllr Mike Mitchelson, Leader of Carlisle City Council, said:
”The Fireshow is a very popular event showcasing
Carlisle and attracting around 35,000 visitors. However the recent
rainfall meant that we had to consider the possibility of canceling
the event for the first time in its 23 year history. It was not an
easy decision to make as health and safety is paramount but we met
with the Police, Fire Service and took advice from the Environment
Agency and the Health and Safety Executive and we have all agreed
that the event could go ahead.
“The advice to anyone attending is simple: dress
warmly, wear wellies or walking boots, arrive early and leave your
fireworks and pets at home.”
Carlisle City Council staff, local volunteers and firework
experts - the Black Powder Monkeys – have been setting the scene
for the explosive event and have laid around 1,400 pallets to
create the bonfire.
‘Love Carlisle’ is the theme of this year’s event and a 40-foot
flaming heart will be the centre piece of the bonfire. The theme
has been chosen as part of Carlisle's bid to become UK City of
Culture, showcasing what we have to offer and the sorts of
activities that could form part of a year long programme of events
in 2013.
The sparkling spectacular will take place this Saturday (7
November) and will be the 23rd Fireshow event staged by Carlisle
City Council. More than 2,000 spectacular fireworks will ensure
that the event goes with a ‘bang’.
Pre-entertainment, provided by Carlisle Leisure Limited, will
start at 6.30pm and the bonfire lit at 7pm. The whole event is
likely to last more than one hour and will be hosted by ITV
presenter Philippa Tomson and local panto star, Billy Walker.
Messages and dedications will be read out by the celebrity
comperes. Anyone requests can be texted to 07593 43 44 45. The
number is now live and available to use.
As part of the build-up to the event, a ‘Love Carlisle Day’ will
also be held in the city centre. A Celebrity Cookery Theatre will
be open between 10am and 4.30pm, in a Marquee in the heart of the
city centre. There will also be children’s activities, events and
competitions from 12noon, and amazing street theatre organised from
1.30pm, culminating in a Street Theatre Finale outside of the Old
Town Hall at 4.50pm.
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service is also giving their support
for this year's City Council Fireshow. They will also be using the
event to promote their free home safety check service and their
free installation of smoke detectors, both of which can be
organised by telephoning 0800 358 477.
More than 35,000 people are expected to attend the City Council
event, organised in conjunction with the Black Powder Monkeys.
Carlisle Leisure Limited, Carlisle Renaissance and Cumbria Fire
& Rescue Service are sponsoring the Fireshow event. Support is
also received from Alexander Sawmills, Brampton Pallets, Brown’s
Haulage, BSW Timber, Carlisle Scaffolding, Cumbria Waste Pallets,
Crown Bevcan, Edmundson’s Electricals, G J Campbell, Premier
Papers, Stobart’s, Story Construction and Wallace Oils.