The Carlisle Fireshow, organised by Cumberland Council, will take place in Bitts Park on Saturday 31 October, commencing at 6:30pm. This date was selected after consultations with partners to avoid conflicts with Remembrance events scheduled for Saturday 7 November. The event marks the 37th Fireshow in Bitts Park and is a significant regional attraction, drawing over 35,000 attendees. This year's event is coordinated with Merlin Fireworks Ltd.
The Fireshow will feature a central bonfire and over 2,000 spectacular fireworks set to music. The Tour de France Grand Départ, the world's largest annual sporting event, is expected to draw millions of spectators and a global television audience. The 2027 Grand Départ will commence in Edinburgh and conclude its opening stage in Carlisle on Friday 2 July. Stage Two is set to begin in Keswick on Saturday 3 July, passing through the Lake District and Lancashire before reaching Liverpool.
“"It is fantastic that Cumberland Council are incorporating next year's Grand Départ into their annual Fireshow celebrations, which really shows just how people across the region are embracing the Tour de France coming to Carlisle, Keswick and the whole of Cumbria. The Fireshow is sure to be a spectacular event, and we hope that it inspires more people to think about how they can celebrate the Tour de France coming to their region next summer."
Visitors attending the free event are encouraged to support local charities. While admission is free, a charity collection is held annually. All donations benefit Rotary in Carlisle, which directs most of its fundraising to local good causes, and Every Life Matters, the chosen charity of the Chair of Cumberland, Cllr Andy Semple, and the Mayor of Carlisle, Anne Glendinning's chosen charities, Meningitis Now. Volunteers will collect donations at the event entrances, with organisers suggesting adult spectators consider donating at least £2 each.
The event programme includes a fairground funfair in Castle car park (formerly known as Devonshire Walk car park) throughout October half term. On the day of the Fireshow, the fairground will not be operating, but food and family entertainment will be available in Castle Car Park between 5pm and 8:30pm. Admission to the Fireshow is free, and it is a family-oriented event. Alcohol and personal fireworks are prohibited on site or within the Fireshow Village in Castle car park.
