Statement on Lancaster Fireworks Spectacular
The increasing popularity of Lancaster Fireworks Spectacular means it is now one of the county's leading fireworks displays.
It is our ambition to make this an even bigger and more family friendly event, so it becomes a key part of the cultural heritage offer of the city, attracting even more people – visitors as well as people from across the district - to Lancaster and thereby supporting the local economy.
This move coincides with feedback from some visitors to previous festivals which suggests the historical layout of the castle precinct area is not well suited to the increased numbers wishing to view from that area. It chimes with the concerns of our own staff and the police in respect of crowd control.
Last year, in an effort to retain the castle as a viewing area, we experimented with limiting numbers at the venue as well as creating other official areas. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, this experiment, whilst being an improvement, did not deal with all of the previous problems.
This year firing will continue to take place against the magnificent historical backdrop but, having liaised closely with the police and other partners, we have decided to significantly increase the number of official alternative viewing areas to replace the overcrowded area of the castle precinct. These are Giant Axe football ground, just below the castle, Williamson Park, already a popular viewing area, Salt Ayre, already used by many, and Ryelands Park, with its fantastic views across to the quay and up to the castle.
Whilst we appreciate this will be disappointing to some our aim is to expand the event and this has been welcomed by the Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce and the Lancaster Retail Sector, whom the city council is working closely with, alongside schoolchildren, museums and the library, to expand the daytime activities in the city centre and turn this year’s event into a day long celebration for both visitors and local people to enjoy. This will include guided walks, lantern making and street theatre.
A lantern parade from the city, along the historic quay and over to Ryelands Park, involving schoolchildren, will then signal the end of day time activities and the start of the evening’s entertainment. Radio Lancashire will be broadcasting live from Ryelands Park, which will also feature music, a fairground and other attractions.
Detailed information to advise people about what to enjoy where and when will be available nearer the time.
We have worked hard and hand in hand with partners, including the police and Chamber, and the outcome has the commitment of these organisations for the new arrangements.
Date Updated: 28/09/10