CARLISLE’S cosmic Fireshow has been declared a spectacular success.

Thousands of people flooded Bitts Park for the annual event, the theme of which this year paid homage to the Apollo 11 moon landing, which was the first maned land on the moon in July 1969.

An estimated 35,000 people attended the event - which is one of the biggest dates in the city’s calendar - and many more were able to see the sky sparkle with explosions of colour which could be seen for miles around.

The centrepiece of the 40-foot bonfire was a giant moon with a curved façade with a video projection of planet Earth.

More than 2,000 fireworks were set off to light up the sky.

Huge flames and even bigger explosions made the crowd jump with joy and marvel at the theatrical display.

Mayor of Carlisle Marilyn Bowman said: “The Fireshow was absolutely spectacular and I’d like to pass on my thanks to all the city council staff and partners that made the event such a success.

“Thousands of people joined us in Bitts Park and were treated to a wonderful bonfire and display of fireworks.”

One spectator Emma Kidd McLaughlin said: “I went my husband and 7-year-old son. The work that goes in is incredible considering it’s free.

“I loved the show and what it was about, the fireworks themselves were amazing. We loved it.”

Another fan of the night was Rachael Palmer who watched the display she said: “They updated the music, finally, and there were new fireworks.

“I just think it’s one of the best free annual events provided by the council and the best, by far, in our area. It’s worth every penny.

“Me and my children have been going for the past 16 years.”

The evening is a staple on the calendar for Carlisle and it helps raise huge amounts of money for charities in the area. some of these include the Rotary Club of Carlisle South and the Mayor’s Charity Fund, CFM’s Cash for Kids, Guide Dogs UK and Jigsaw Children’s Hospice.

Each year the evening has a theme and this year was the 50th anniversary of the moon landing and this was the main focus of the display.

Before the fire and the fireworks are set off there was entertainment and even a fairground to be enjoyed.

The centrepiece of the 40-foot bonfire will be a giant moon with a curved façade with a video projection of planet Earth. More than 2,000 spectacular sparkling fireworks will also light up the sky.

This year was the 32nd Fireshow staged by Carlisle City Council which worked in conjunction with Merlin Fireworks Ltd the get the night off with a bang.