Countdown begins to fireworks spectacular
THE countdown has begun for Lancaster’s annual Fireworks Spectacular, which will be launched on Saturday November 7.
And such is the popularity of the event that official alternative viewing areas will be set up at Giant Axe field and Williamson Park for people to watch the fantastic spectacle.
Now in its 17th year, the display takes place against the historic backdrop of Lancaster Priory and comes at the end of a special day of events to celebrate the centenaries of Lancaster Town Hall and the Ashton Memorial.
Then, at 8pm, the annual fireworks spectacular will take to the sky.
A survey conducted following the 2008 display found that because of the popularity of the traditional viewing area at Castle Hill, some people were having difficulty viewing the fireworks.
In response to this and other comments the Castle Hill viewing area will be restricted and will close once it has reached capacity or at 7.30pm, whichever is the earliest.
To make sure people can still view the fireworks official viewing areas will be set up at the Giant Axe field, West Road (next to Lancaster City Football Club) and at the city’s Williamson Park.
To ensure everyone’s safety the public are asked to choose a venue in advance and allow plenty of time to attend.
Motorists should use city centre car parks as there will be no parking at any of the venues. For everyone’s safety, fireworks, sparklers and alcohol must not be taken into any of the official viewing areas.
Coun June Ashworth, Cabinet member for Cultural Services, said: “Following last year’s display we asked people for their views on how we could improve the event for future years.
“The two additional venues both provide excellent vantage points and we hope people will make use of them to watch and enjoy the fireworks.”
BBC Radio Lancashire will be broadcasting live from Williamson Park and Castle Hill on their north Lancashire frequencies, 104.5FM or 1557AM.
This will include interviews with the audience and also the soundtrack, which accompanies the fireworks display, enabling the many people who view from a distance to hear the music on their radio.
A full programme giving details of all the day’s events will be available free of charge, towards the end of October, from the visitor information centres in Lancaster and Morecambe. Telephone 01524 582394 / 582808 for more details.
Date Published: 20/10/09