Preparations are underway for one of the city’s biggest entertainment events.

The Carlisle Fireshow kicks off at 6.30pm on Saturday, November 4, in Bitts Park, and promises to pack a firework and music show, bonfire, and festival village, into an evening of free entertainment.

The event, which is organised in conjunction with Merlin Fireworks, will be the 34th Fireshow event to be held in Bitts Park and is the biggest event in the region, according to the council.

Luke Leathers, Fireshow event manager, spoke to the News & Star on Wednesday while the bonfire was being set up.

He said: “We have the usual format. We’ve got a show about celebrating Cumbria, the communities, and the area, looking at the landscape, history, natural world and industry of the Cumberland area.

News and Star: Luke LeathersLuke Leathers (Image: Ollie Rawlinson)

“That’s followed by the bonfire burn itself then after that the 2,000 fireworks with a musical theme that goes on throughout.

“Ahead of that we’ve got the Fireshow Village with family entertainment, it’s got catering, so it’s a whole evening of entertainment for the family.”

A lot has gone into setting it up, and they’re anticipating a huge turnout, as Mr Leathers explained: “It’s the biggest event we do, and it’s one of the top ten fireshow events, according to the Sunday Times, in the country.

"It takes a big team effort, from our own internal team, the stewards, to the local contractors and caterers who come along, and our community partners like the police, the ambulance service, and the fire service.

“Last year we had the biggest event ever with 40,000 people coming so we’re expecting a big turnout.

“People come from far and wide to see it, we have people coming down from Glasgow and across from the north-east.

“It’s a free event, but we like people to dig into their pockets and support the local charities at the event.”

All donations go towards the Rotary in Carlisle (which donates most of its fundraising efforts to local good causes), and the Great North 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.

Mr Leathers concluded by advising that everyone comes prepared for any weather on the day and to arrive by 6.30pm, when the event will start.