Carlisle's Fireshow returns with Tour de France countdown theme
More than 2,000 fireworks will light up Bitts Park on Saturday 31st October
The date and theme for Cumberland Council's annual Fireshow have been announced, with the event set to return to Bitts Park in Carlisle on Saturday 31st October.
The event will start at 6.30pm and will celebrate Cumberland's countdown to the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027.
There will be a centrepiece bonfire, and more than 2,000 fireworks, set to music, will light up the sky.
It will be the 37th Fireshow held in Bitts Park, and is the biggest event in the region, attracting more than 35,000 people, the council said.
This year's event is organised in conjunction with Merlin Fireworks Ltd.
The programme will include a fairground funfair in Castle car park, formerly known as Devonshire Walk car park, during the October half term.
On the day of the Fireshow itself, there will be no fairground, but there will be food and family entertainment for those attending in Castle car park between 5pm and 8.30pm.
The event date was chosen following discussions with partners, and to avoid clashing with planned Remembrance events on Saturday 7th November, the council said.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council's Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said this year's event will celebrate the countdown to the Tour de France Grand Départ.
"Cumberland is set to take centre stage when the Grand Départ arrives in 2027, with Carlisle hosting the finish of Stage One on Friday 2nd July and Keswick hosting the start of Stage Two on Saturday 3rd July," Cllr Quilter said.
"As well as a bonfire, there will be thousands of fireworks," she said.
Admission to the Fireshow is free.
It is a family event, and no alcohol or fireworks will be permitted on site, or within the Fireshow Village in Castle car park, the council said.