IT was probably the loudest cheer heard in Carlisle this year.

It rose impressively from a crowd into the sky above Bitts Park tonight as smoke and flames engulfed a huge wooden steam engine – part of a fascinating and fiery tribute to the city's proud industrial past.

An estimated 50,000 flocked to this year's event – widely recognised as one of the best public bonfires in the country.

People travelled to the Carlisle Fireshow in Bitts Park – the 29th so far – from across the region, while others gathered at various at vantage points – including the Castle Way bridge and Etterby Scaur – to watch the spectacular firework display.

The lighting of the bonfire was preceded by a dramatic rendition of Carlisle's industrial past, focusing the Industrial Revolution; on how industrialisation, powered by coal and steam, brought both wealth and - for many in the city - hardship and poverty.

Part of the show included a 40ft-high model of Queen Victoria, whose royal seal of approval was given to Carr's water biscuits.

It was one small part of how Carlisle has over the decades made its mark as a city respected for its engineering, its food, textile, and cotton manufacturing industries.

All those products were transported to the world via a network of steam powered rail connections as Carlisle became a key hub of a growing national rail network.

Among those who enjoyed tonight's show were Chris and Vikki Williams, who came to Carlisle from their home in Warrington with their sons Andrew, 14, and Jack, four.

“It was worth the two hour drive,” said Chris. “We've never been before but it's been absolutely fantastic. We enjoyed hearing Carlisle's story.”

Beryl Stamper, 58, from Kirkbride, near Carlisle, was at the Fireshow with her daughter and her grandchild Codie Smith, nine.

“I'm into steam trains in a big way," said Beryl. "We love this event – it's the atmosphere.”

Carlisle City Council leader Colin Glover gave his verdict.

He said: “I've been talking to some of the people who came down to Bitts Park for the Fireshow and they're saying it's been the best yet. We've had the prefect conditions – a cold, dry night and the size of the crowd has exceeded our expectations.

“We'd been expecting 30,000 to 35,000 but the organisers have indicated that it was more like 50,000. I think that's the result of the dry conditions and the reputation of the Fireshow as one of the best in the UK.

“Everybody seems to have enjoyed it.”

Councillor Anne Quilter, Portfolio holder for Culture, Heritage and Leisure, said: “As ever the Fireshow was a great success and attracted a huge crowd.

“As it coincided with Guy Fawkes Night, the crowd was even bigger than usual. It’s the 29th Fireshow we’ve held and this year’s bonfire and fireworks display were as impressive as ever.”

The Carlisle Fireshow began in 1987 and has grown to steadily over the years, becoming good enough to merit a place in the official The Times Top 10 Bonfire list.

It is run by Carlisle City Council and organised with Merlin Fireworks Ltd.

Support has also come from Birchwood Farms at Cummersdale & Southwaite, Brampton Pallets, Brampton Skip Hire, Edmundson Electrical, Jewson Ltd, Murray Transport, Travis Perkins and Wallace Oils.

Donations at tonight's Fireshow go towards the Rotary Club of Carlisle South (which donates most of its fundraising efforts to local good causes), and the Mayor’s Charity Fund, whose main beneficiaries this year are the Carlisle Young Carers, Carlisle Key and Hospice at Home.

Five local schools supported the event.

They were: Cumwhinton School, Rockcliffe CE Primary and Scotby CE Primary, who made Industrial Revolution themed banners with artist Kate Brundrett; and Kingmoor Junior and Stanwix School, who created a soundtrack helped by composer, Jilly Jarman.