Lancaster’s annual Fireworks Spectacular will take place on Saturday 6th November, and this year’s is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before.
During the day there will be a host of city centre events, including themed walks, lantern making, and street entertainment and, for the first time, Ryelands Park in Skerton will act as one of the official viewing areas and will include a funfair, refreshments and entertainment.
BBC Radio Lancashire will be broadcasting live from the park from 7.00pm with presenters Graham Liver and John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore.
The park has been selected as a viewing area after the Council took the decision to close the castle and priory precinct on safety grounds, meaning visitors will not be able to view the fireworks from those locations.
The decision followed a review of previous years which found that the area was not best suited to accommodate the increasing number of people attending the event.
As well as Ryelands Park, the other official viewing areas are Williamson Park, Giant Axe field and Salt Ayre Sports Centre. Salt Ayre will also be hosting a funfair during the evening from 4pm.
If you can’t get to one of the venues, watch the fireworks, which start at 8.00pm, from wherever you are in the district you can listen to the specially coordinated music on BBC Radio Lancashire – 104.5FM. The music will also be played at all of the official venues.
As an added bonus there will be free parking, for one year only, after 6.00pm in all of Lancaster City Council’s car parks in Lancaster. Free parking will also be available at Salt Ayre Sports Centre.
“This year’s Fireworks Spectacular is shaping up to be one of the biggest and best yet,” enthused Coun June Ashworth, Cabinet member with responsibility for tourism.
“Over the years it has grown in such popularity that we’ve taken the opportunity to expand the event considerably and by working in partnership with local businesses, can now boast a programme of entertainment throughout the day.
“I hope people will be able to join us for what promises to be an exciting day.”
“There’s no need to miss out on any of the fun and excitement as Lancaster City Centre warms up for the evening’s event,” added Ann Morris, chief executive of the Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce, “with a programme of themed street performances which will keep everybody entertained as they shop, socialise or enjoy some quality food at the many pubs, cafes and restaurants in the City.”
• More details of the daytime events and the official viewing areas will be available from the Visitor Information Centres in Lancaster and Morecambe and online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/fireworks.
• Please do not bring sparklers or alcohol to any of the official venues.
Free parking for a year eh? Oh goody.