Preparations underway for explosive event
(Date of issue: Tuesday, 3 November 2009)
Preparations are underway for this weekend’s (Saturday, 7
November) Carlisle City Council Fireshow.
Carlisle City Council staff, local volunteers and firework
experts - the Black Powder Monkeys – will soon be setting the scene
for the explosive event and will be laying 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.
Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Mike Mitchelson, said:
"Carlisle’s Fireshow is unequalled in the north
and is a great example of a free community event ideal for the all
family to enjoy. This year will be the 23rd Fireshow held in Bitts
Park and want all our residents to join in the celebrations.
"To make the most of it, the advice is simple:
dress warmly, arrive early, leave your fireworks and pets at home –
and enjoy one of the greatest free shows you’re ever likely to see,
anywhere in the country."
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.
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