Cumbria Police Issue Dispersal Order Ahead of Carlisle Fireshow to Keep 35,000 Visitors Safe

Cumbria Police have issued a dispersal order for Carlisle city centre and Bitts Park ahead of the Carlisle Fireshow 2025, which is expected to draw more than 35,000 visitors on Saturday, 1 November 2025.

The order, enacted under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, will be active from 12 PM to 11:59 PM and gives officers the authority to direct anyone causing, or likely to cause, anti-social behaviour to leave the designated area. Anyone who returns before the order expires can be arrested.

Police said the powers are part of a wider safety plan designed to prevent anti-social behaviour, manage large crowds, and keep Carlisle’s biggest public event of the year safe for everyone.

Police Preparedness and Purpose of the Order

Inspector Andy Leather, who is leading the policing operation for the Fireshow, said the order is being introduced as a preventative measure based on lessons from previous events.

“The Fireshow brings thousands of families into the city, and we want everyone to enjoy it safely,” Inspector Leather said. “Our officers will use dispersal powers only when necessary to prevent anti-social behaviour and keep Carlisle welcoming for visitors.”

The dispersal order is not a response to a specific threat but rather a precautionary step to maintain public safety and ensure a family-friendly atmosphere. Police say it will allow them to act quickly if incidents occur and to manage any disruptive behaviour before it escalates.

The initiative forms part of the force’s annual safety campaign Operation Roman Candle Carlisle, which focuses on tackling anti-social behaviour, fireworks misuse, and disorder during the Bonfire Night period.

Event Overview

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The Carlisle Fireshow, organised by Carlisle City Council, is part of a series of autumn community celebrations, following last week’s Halloween events in Carlisle 2025. The celebration will feature a large bonfire, more than 2,000 fireworks choreographed to music, and a programme of live entertainment and street performances.

Families can also enjoy local food stalls and traders from the Taste Cumbria festival, which runs alongside the main event. Entry is free, with donations encouraged to support local charities.

The bonfire is scheduled to be lit at 6:30 PM, followed by the fireworks display at 7 PM. Police and council officials are advising residents to arrive early to pass through security checks and avoid congestion at the park gates.

Dispersal Zone and Boundaries

The dispersal order applies to Bitts Park, Devonshire Walk car park, Castle Way, Dacre Road, The Lanes Shopping Area, and streets surrounding the city centre transport hub. Temporary signs have been installed to mark the boundaries of the dispersal zone.

Cumbria Police have also published a detailed map of the affected area on their official website at www.cumbria.police.uk. The force has confirmed that both uniformed officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will be authorised to enforce the order.

Officers will conduct extra foot patrols throughout the day and evening, working closely with Carlisle City Council’s Events Team and Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service. Engagement officers will also be on hand to speak with groups of young people gathering before the fireworks to encourage responsible behaviour.

Managing Crowds and Public Conduct

Inspector Leather said officers will maintain a visible presence in Bitts Park, Castle Way, Devonshire Walk, and surrounding streets to reassure the public. Additional officers and police volunteers will support stewards in controlling crowd movement and assisting lost children or vulnerable attendees.

Police have confirmed that anyone bringing alcohol, fireworks, or drones into Bitts Park may be refused entry or escorted out. The dispersal powers will be used in cases of drunkenness, fighting, or behaviour that causes distress to others.

These measures reflect Cumbria Police’s wider focus on community safety, which also includes the county’s traffic-monitoring programme. For readers interested in how officers handle roadside enforcement, see Briton News’s related coverage of Cumbria speed cameras and their role in reducing road-related incidents.

Public Reporting and Safety Advice

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Cumbria Police have urged visitors to report any incidents or concerns during the event. Emergencies should be reported via 999, while non-urgent matters can be directed to 101 or submitted through the Cumbria Police website. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

A temporary police contact point and lost-property tent will be located near the main entrance to Bitts Park, operating throughout the evening. Officers remind attendees that the dispersal order is designed to support a safe community experience, not to discourage attendance.

Travel and Parking Information

Carlisle City Council has confirmed several temporary road closures and traffic restrictions during the Fireshow. Sections of Castle Way, Devonshire Walk, and Dacre Road will be closed from 5:30 PM to 10 PM to allow safe pedestrian access to and from Bitts Park.

Parking will be available at Viaduct Car Park, Eden Bridge Car Park, and other council-designated sites within walking distance of the park. Disabled access and drop-off points have been arranged near the main gates.

Stagecoach North West will run extended evening bus services until 10:45 PM, while Northern Rail has advised travellers of crowd management measures at Carlisle railway station following the fireworks.

Weather and On-Site Safety

The Met Office forecast indicates mild, breezy conditions with no weather warnings for Saturday evening. Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service will oversee the bonfire and provide emergency response support throughout the event.

Medical teams and first-aid tents will be positioned in several areas within Bitts Park, while council-appointed stewards will manage crowd control barriers and assist with directions. Visitors are advised to dress warmly, wear suitable footwear, and dispose of litter responsibly.

Community and Economic Impact

The Carlisle Fireshow is one of Cumbria’s largest community gatherings, providing a major boost to local shops, hotels, and restaurants. The Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has praised the coordination between Cumbria Police and the City Council, describing it as “a positive example of managing public safety while supporting economic and community growth.”

Inspector Leather added that most people attending the event would not notice the dispersal order at all.

“The vast majority of visitors come to have fun and enjoy the show,” he said. “These powers are there to deal with the few who choose to spoil it for others.”

He also pointed out that the dispersal order complements broader UK police protest powers, which are occasionally used to ensure public safety during large gatherings and demonstrations.

After the Event

Cleanup operations will begin overnight, carried out by Urbaser, Carlisle City Council’s environmental contractor. Recycling bins and waste stations have been installed throughout Bitts Park, and visitors are encouraged to use public transport or share rides to reduce congestion and emissions.

Police and council representatives say the Fireshow will continue to highlight Carlisle’s reputation for safe, family-friendly celebrations supported by effective planning and community cooperation.

Key Facts

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FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why has Cumbria Police issued a dispersal order for Carlisle Fireshow 2025?

Cumbria Police introduced the dispersal order to prevent anti-social behaviour and keep over 35,000 visitors safe during the Carlisle Fireshow. The order allows officers to move on anyone causing trouble and arrest those who return to the area before it expires.

2. What time does the dispersal order apply in Carlisle?

The dispersal order is active from 12 PM to 11:59 PM on Saturday, 1 November 2025. Cumbria Police may extend it if crowd dispersal takes longer after the event.

3. Where does the Carlisle Fireshow dispersal order apply?

It covers Bitts Park, Carlisle city centre, Devonshire Walk, Castle Way, and The Lanes area. Visitors can view the full boundary map on the Cumbria Police website at www.cumbria.police.uk.

4. Who is leading the policing operation for the Fireshow?

The operation is being led by Inspector Andy Leather of Cumbria Police. He confirmed that officers will use dispersal powers only when necessary to prevent anti-social behaviour.

5. How can I report issues or anti-social behaviour during the Fireshow?

Call 999 in emergencies or 101 for non-emergencies. You can also report incidents online via the Cumbria Police website or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

6. What can I bring to the Carlisle Fireshow?

Visitors should not bring alcohol, fireworks, or drones into Bitts Park. Security checks will be in place, and prohibited items may be confiscated.

7. Are there any travel changes for Carlisle Fireshow 2025?

Yes. Castle Way, Devonshire Walk, and Dacre Road will close from 5:30 PM to 10 PM. Additional bus services and crowd management measures will operate at Carlisle railway station.

8. What is Operation Roman Candle Carlisle?

Operation Roman Candle Carlisle is a Cumbria Police initiative launched every Bonfire Night season to reduce anti-social behaviour and ensure public safety during fireworks events across the county.

9. How does this dispersal order relate to other police powers in the UK?

Dispersal powers are part of wider UK police protest powers and public order legislation. They allow officers to manage crowds safely and prevent disruption at major events like the Carlisle Fireshow.

10. Will there be future events affected by similar police measures in Cumbria?

Yes, Cumbria Police regularly assess large events—such as concerts, festivals, and bonfire displays—and may issue temporary orders to maintain safety, just as they do with Cumbria speed cameras for traffic control.