Fireshow 2010

Fire safety messages promoted at city event

(Date of issue: Tuesday, 12 October 2010)

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is giving their support for this year’s City Council Fireshow (Saturday, 6 November 2010).

The annual event attracts thousands of spectators each year and has been an established event more than 20 years. The fire and rescue 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: “Properly organised public firework displays like this are by far the safest way to enjoy Bonfire Night and they don't come much more spectacular than the Carlisle Fireshow.

"Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is lending its support to what will be a truly memorable evening for the whole family and I would encourage as many people to get along as possible. It is also an excellent opportunity for people learn how fire safety message.”

 A giant 40-foot Big Top bonfire will be centre stage at this year’s Fireshow event. More than 2,000 spectacular fireworks will also make sure the event goes with a ‘bang’.

As part of the build up to the event, circus-themed street entertainment will be staged in the city centre between 11am and 3pm. John Parkinson from the Upfront Gallery will be outside the Old Town with his famous Stan Parker marionette puppets, which he secured using Heritage Lottery funding. For more information about the puppets, visit www.stanparkerpuppets.co.uk

Clowns, stilt walkers and other circus performers will also provide entertainment in the city centre area.

At Bitts Park, 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 for around an 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 Tourism Partnership 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, Premier Papers, Stobart’s, Story Group and Wallace Oils.

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