Lancaster Fireworks Spectacular

Contact Info

Castle Hill
Lancaster
Lancashire
LA1 1YN Tel: 01524 32878

Annual Free Fireworks Spectacular over Historic Lancaster
At the Priory Churchyard & Castle Green
Food stalls open and build-up music from 6pm
Fireworks launched at 8pm
Finishing at 8.25pm with the Priory Bells

Preceded by a day of events and entertainments, themed on the Lancashire Witches.

PROGRAMME:
*Period musicians perform in the Judges' Lodgings and Penny Almshouses Chapel
- DIABOLUS IN MUSICA will play at the Judges' Lodgings at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 4pm.
- HAUTBOIS will perform in the Penny Almshouses Chapel at 12 noon, 1.30pm and 3pm. Admission is free but do arrive early to be sure of a seat.

*Witches talk and children's tours in Judges' Lodgings
- Lancaster Castle Manager, Christine Goodier, will give a talk on The Lancashire Witches from 2.30pm till 3.15pm.
- Children's Witch Hunt throughout the day. Open 12 noon - 5pm.

*Tours of Lancaster Castle
- Tours will commence on the hour and half hour between 10.30am and 4pm. It was here that the Lancashire Witches were imprisoned and stood trial.

*Tours of the exterior of the castle, highlighting the Witches' Tower
- Led by Dr Andrew White, these free tours start from the Main John O'Gaunt gateway at 1.45pm and 3.15pm. They will last about 40 minutes.

*Guided walks around historic Lancaster
- The Lancaster 1612 walk will discover more about the ancient county town, as it was at the time of the Witch trials. It is led by Blue Badge Guide Janet Nelson and starts from the John O'Gaunt gateway at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

THE FIREWORKS
In the evening, the focus is on the Castle Green and Priory Churchyard where, from 6pm, stalls will sell traditional bonfire night fare. There will also be a build up soundtrack featuring works by Sir Edward Elgar and his contemporaries, in honour of the 150th anniversary of the distinguished composer's birth.

The thrilling climax comes at 8pm, with the launch of a massive firework spectacular, provided by MDL Fireworks. This is accompanied by a soundtrack, redolent of the 'Last Night of the Proms' plus a touch of witchcraft! The night finishes with the now traditional ringing of the Priory bells.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Do arrive early to be sure of a good viewing spot. There will be no parking in the Priory or castle grounds but the nearby Parksafe carpark will remain open all evening, with a charge.
Vicarage Lane and the cycleway at the foot of Vicarage Fields will be closed off from 6pm.
The main site entrances to the castle will be closed at 7.55pm. Long Marsh Lane will be closed to vehicles from 7.45pm - 8.45pm.

***Please do not bring fireworks, sparklers or alcohol to the event.***

Across the city, Williamson Park will also be open to provide a viewing area particularly suitable for wheelchair users and families with young children. The park cafe will serve refreshments from 7.15pm to 8.45pm. Car Park available off Wyresdale Road. Tel: 01524 33318 for Williamson Park information.

John 'Gilly' Gilmore is looking forward to visiting Lancaster in the evening for the firework display, and broadcasting live on BBC Radio Lancashire. Listen on 103.9, 95.5 or 104.5 FM and 1557 MW.

Lancaster Tourist Information Centre will be open all evening until 8pm (01524 32878)

Join us for a day of fascinating talks, music and events and a spectacular evening display!

-Lancaster City Council Cultural Services