Crowd of 40,000 enjoy 34th Carlisle Fireshow in Bitts Park

Organised by Cumberland Council, the Bitts Park event celebrated Cumberland, the area and its communities.

40,000 were in attendance at Bitts Park (Image: Stuart Walker Photography)In addition to a spectacular bonfire, more than 2,000 sparkling fireworks lit up the sky. A Fireshow village, held in Castle car park, was an added attraction, offering food and family entertainment.

Families and groups of all ages enjoyed the display which lasted for around an hour and was organised in conjunction with Merlin Fireworks Ltd.

The crowds were dazzled by the display which lasted for around an hour (Image: Stuart Walker photography)Attendee Kate came with her husband Mark and young son, James.

“I always come to the Fireshow every year so its now a bit of a family tradition,” said Kate.

“I used to come with my mum when I was younger so its nice to come down with my boy now.”

Visitors to this year’s Carlisle Fireshow were asked to dig into the bottom of their pockets and support local charities.

Although the event was free to attend, a charity collection is held each year.

All donations will go towards the Rotary in Carlisle (which donates most of its fundraising efforts to local good causes), and the Great Air Ambulance - the charity supported by the Chair of Cumberland, Cllr Carni McCarron-Holmes - and the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Abdul Harid’s chosen charities - Cash for Kids, Carlisle Foodbank and Carlisle One World Centre.

This year’s Fireshow was the first put on by Cumberland Council with previous editions organised by Carlisle City Council.

The bonfire was at the heart of the show (Image: Stuart Walker Photography)As such, the light show featured many of Cumberland’s towns including Whitehaven, Workington, Cockermouth, Maryport and Millom.

“The Fireshow brings the community together to have fun in a safe environment,” said Cllr Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s executive member for vibrant and healthy places.

“It never disappoints, and this year’s event was a great success. I’d like to thank all those that made it happen.

“It’s taken months of preparation, and it was made possible with the support of local businesses and organisations.

READ MORE: Carlisle fireworks and bonfire at Fireshow 2023

“Thanks also to our amazing events team, stewards, and Merlin Fireworks for putting on such a great show. The event was also supported by emergency services include the police, fire and ambulance.

“Local businesses and organisations have also provided support: Brampton Pallets, Cumbria Waste Recycling, Cabletech (Edmundson Electrical), Laversdale Timber, Travis Perkins, Johnstone’s Decorating Centre, Wallace Oils, T G Norman Timber Ltd, Carlisle Rotary Club and the University of Cumbria.

“Also, thanks to the Cumbria Army Cadet Force - Harraby Detachment who are kindly going to assist us with litter picking after the event.”