‘Wheels on Fire’ bonfire set to be a roaring success

(Date of issue: Tuesday, 28 October 2008)

Preparations are underway for this Saturday’s (1 November) Carlisle City Council Fireshow.

Carlisle City Council staff, local volunteers and firework experts - the Black Powder Monkeys – are currently setting the scene for the explosive event and are laying hundreds of pallets to create the bonfire.

This year’s Carlisle City Council Fireshow is themed around some dazzling ‘Wheels on Fire’. Staged in Bitts Park, the sparkling spectacular will be the 22nd Fireshow event.

The giant bonfire will include a car, with flaming wheels. More than 2,000 spectacular fireworks will also make sure the event goes with a ‘bang’. The Fireshow will start at 7pm. Admission is free, although collections will be made for the Mayor’s Charity Fund and Rotary Club Carlisle (South).

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service is giving their support for this year’s City Council Fireshow alongside other local businesses and is advising people to attend organised bonfires where safety is a priority. 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.

Due to last weekend’s heavy rainfall and conditions under foot, visitors are recommended to wear suitable footwear such as wellingtons and walking boots and to take extreme care when they are walking in and around Bitts Park. They are also recommended to arrive early to ease traffic congestion. More than 35,000 people are expected to attend the City Council organised event.

The Bitts Park spectacular is organised by Carlisle City Council in conjunction with the Black Powder Monkeys.

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, CFM Radio, News & Star and Story Construction are sponsoring the event. Support is also received from Brampton Pallets, Browns Haulage, BSW Timber, Carlisle Scaffolding, Colophon, Crown Bevcan, Edmundsons Electricals and Wallace Oils.