Fire safety messages promoted at city event

(Date of issue: Monday, 26 October 2009)

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service is giving their support for this year’s City Council Fireshow (Saturday, 7 November).

The annual event attracts thousands of spectators each year and has been an established event more than 20 years. The Fire Service is helping to sponsor this year’s event, 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.

Cumbria County Councillor Gary Strong, Cabinet member for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said:

"Public firework displays that are correctly organised are by far the safest way to enjoy bonfire night and they don't come much more spectacular than the Carlisle Fireshow.

"I’m delighted that Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is lending its support to what will be a truly memorable evening for the whole family. It is also an excellent opportunity for people to hear the fire safety message.”

Visitors to this year’s Fireshow will be treated to a 12-hour feast of entertainment.

A ‘Love Carlisle Day’ will be held to launch the new Carlisle Tourism Partnership. 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.

The event will provide yet another reason to visit the Carlisle’s city centre and stick around for an explosive Fireshow event in Bitts Park. The annual Fireshow event attracts thousands of spectators each year and has been an established event for more than 20 years.

The ‘Love Carlisle’ theme will continue as part of the Fireshow 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 on 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. A celebrity comperes - ITV presenter Philippa Tomson and local panto star, Billy Walker, will host the packed entertainment programme. As part of the event, 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.

The whole event is likely to last more than one hour. Admission is free, although collections will be made for the Mayor’s Charity Fund and Rotary Club Carlisle (South).

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.