THIS year’s Carlisle Fireshow is ready for blast off.

The sparkling event, in Bitts Park, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s “giant leap for mankind”.

The United States’ Apollo 11 was the first manned mission to land on the moon, on July 20, 1969.

The Fireshow will be held on Saturday, November 2.

It is expected to attract more than 35,000 people.

The centre piece of the 40-foot bonfire will be a giant moon with a curved façade with a video projection of planet earth.

More than 2,000 spectacular sparkling fireworks will also light up the sky.

It will be the 32nd Fireshow event staged by Carlisle City Council and is organised in conjunction with Merlin Fireworks Ltd.

Pre-entertainment for the event will start at 6.30pm and the Bitts Park bonfire lit at 7pm.

A fairground will be open between 5pm and 9pm on Castle car park.

John Mallinson, leader of Carlisle City Council, said: “This year’s event will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

“As well as a 40-foot bonfire, there will be thousands of fireworks and it is set to be must-see event, not to be missed.”

Admission is free.

A charity collection will be held with all donations going towards the Rotary Club of Carlisle South. It donates most of its fundraising efforts to local good causes.

Donations will also be given to the Mayor’s Charity Fund, which supports CFM’s Cash for Kids, Guide Dogs UK and Jigsaw Children’s Hospice.

Volunteers will be holding charity buckets on the entrance to the event and organisers are asking the Fireshow’s adult spectators to consider giving at least £2 each.

Carlisle Fireshow is a family event and no alcohol will be allowed on site or in the fairground.

Last year’s event commemorated the 100-year anniversary of The People’s Act when some women got the right to vote.

Celebrating 50 years of the moon landing: Page 8