More than 40,000 people flocked to Bitts Park on Saturday night to watch the sky light up with fireworks at the 35th annual Carlisle fireshow.

The theme of this year's event was a Festival of Fire.

A a giant head, including moveable eyes, told the long and ancient history of fire - from the ancient Greek myth of Prometheus all the way to the impact of climate change today. 

It was a spectacular display with a few surprises thrown in to keep people entertained for the duration.

Those watching were treated to a show with more than 2,000 fireworks popping, sparkling, and booming across the night sky.

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: "The Fireshow attracts an audience from across our area, bringing communities together to have fun in a safe environment.

"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.

"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 including the police, fire and ambulance."

Dave Strong is one of the people who gives their time to steward the event on the night but also helps with the set-up during the week.

He has helped out at 24 fireshows and in that time has seen the process, and the technology, change.

Dave said: "Everything's evolved over the years and for the better. Every year we learn something new that we then make sure we build into next year's event."

One of his favourite moments from this year's display was when a phoenix rose out of Prometheus' head.

"They always come up with some nice intricate things to keep the crowd entertained. With the backstory, there was that and also the fact that Prometheus' eyes moved which was quite good as part of the story," he said.

As well as the main event, Castle Car Park was taken over by the fireshow village where people could watch entertainers, take their children on one of the rides or grab themselves some hot food from one of the many vendors. 

Local businesses and organisations supported the fireshow by supplying the materials for the bonfire and providing technical assistance too. These were Brampton Pallets, Cumbria Building Supplies, Cabletech (Edmundson Electrical), CRFM, Evri, Travis Perkins, Johnstone’s Decorating Centre, Pro Turf Leisure Ltd, Wallace Oils, T G Norman Timber Ltd and Carlisle Rotary Club.

This year's charity collection went towards Eden Valley Hospice, which is the Mayor of Carlisle's chosen charity, Pancreatic Cancer UK, which is supported by council chair Cllr Andy Semple and the Carlisle Rotary Club.