Firework spectacular launched against the stunning backdrop of Lancaster Castle and Priory
The skies above Lancaster will be ablaze with colour once again when Lancaster City Council launches its 2011 Firework Spectacular.
This year’s pyrotechnic spectacular takes place on the big day itself – Saturday, November 5 – and is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before.
To warm you up for the evening’s event, there will be city centre Guy Fawkes themed activities to enjoy during the day including guided walks, storytelling, arts and crafts and lantern making workshops. There will also be music from the amazing Batala Lancaster samba drum band.
All those taking part in the lantern making will be invited to join a procession from the city centre to St. George’s Quay to mark the start of the evening’s firework festivities.
As last year, the castle and priory precinct will be closed to the public, but spectators will still be able to watch the action at close quarters from nearby Quay Meadow.
Accessed from St George’s Quay, Quay Meadow has been used unofficially by people for many years to view the fireworks and is in the heart of the city’s historic quayside area, with an amazing backdrop of Lancaster Castle and the Priory Church.
It’s also close to the firing zone and will allow people to get as close as possible to enjoy the atmosphere as the fireworks are launched.
BBC Radio Lancashire will be broadcasting live from the Maritime Museum and Quay Meadow from 7pm so come along and meet presenters Graham Liver and John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore. Food will be in plentiful supply courtesy of local businesses including the Wagon and Horses and Simply French.
The other main viewing area will be Salt Ayre, where last year more than 2,500 people enjoyed the spectacular view across the river. Festival goers viewing the display from Salt Ayre will also be able to enjoy free parking, hot food and drink and Taylor’s Funfair.
Other official viewing areas include:
• Millennium Bridge and cycle path alongside the River Lune (opposite St George’s Quay)
• Williamson Park and Giant Axe field.
Admission to all viewing areas is free.
If you can't get to one of the venues, watch the fireworks, which start at 8pm, from wherever you are in the district and listen to the specially coordinated music on BBC Radio Lancashire – 104.5FM. The music will also be played at all of the official venues.
Please note that sparklers or alcohol should not be brought to any of the official venues. Refreshments will be available at all locations.
Lancaster Visitor Information Centre provides an accommodation booking service. Why not make a weekend of it and telephone our booking hotline - 01524 582393. Alternatively you can book online at www.citycoastcountryside.co.uk
Lancaster City Council is grateful for the support and sponsorship of BBC Radio Lancashire, Mitchells Hotels and Inns, Hotfoot, Taylor’s Funfair, Quite Simply French, Signs Express and George and Dragon without whom the event would not be possible.
Programme of events
9.30am – 8pm
Gunpowder plot themed display, prize draw and poster competition. Free event for under 11s – Lancaster Visitor Information Centre
10am – noon and 2pm-4pm
Family fireworks fun: crafts and stories. Free event for under 12s – Lancaster Library
10.30am – 4pm
Guided tours of Lancaster Castle – tours are free and depart every 30 minutes – Lancaster Castle
11am – 1pm and 2pm - 4pm
Lantern making workshop and opportunity to take part in official procession – free event for children aged 5–9 – booking essential – Lancaster City Museum.
1pm – 4pm
‘Treason and Plot’ – an afternoon of storytelling, treasure hunt and bonfire night lucky dip – Lancaster Maritime Museum.
1pm – 2pm
Lancaster and the Pendle Witches Guided Walk – departs from Lancaster Visitor Information Centre.
Paying the price for the Gunpowder Plot: the secret history of Lancaster Cathedral – Lancaster Cathedral
2pm – 3.30pm
Fire building - experience the thrill of building safe fires, toast marshmallows and make a delicious cup of hot chocolate – free event for children aged 5-12 – Williamson Park
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2pm – 2.30pm and 4pm - 4.30pm
Fireworks Storytelling for all ages – Williamson Park.
3pm – 4pm
Lancaster and the Pendle Witches Guided Walk – departs from Lancaster Visitor Information Centre.
4pm – 9pm
Taylors Fun Fair – Salt Ayre Sports Centre.
5.30pm – 7pm
Snap, Crackle and Pop family singing and body percussion workshop – The Dukes, Lancaster.
8pm
Launch of Lancaster’s Firework Spectacular 2011.
More details of the daytime events are available from the righthand downloads menu.
