THOUSANDS of people from across the region were thrilled last night by the city's spectacular annual firework display.

Beneath a clear sky, the event in Bitts Park was a huge success, with some spectators saying that it may have been the most spectacular Carlisle Fireshow.

As flames erupted from the huge bonfire more than 2,000 fireworks exploded, filling the night sky with shimmering, glittering, vibrant colour.

The show was seen by an estimated 35,000 people, many watching from other vantage points across the city, including Etterby Scaur north of the city.

As in previous years, the event embraced a them - and this year it was the 50th anniversary of the first moon landings, in July 1969. To reflect this, the bonfire's centrepiece was a giant curved façade, onto which were projected pictures of the moon and Planet Earth.

Kellie McCleary, 20, from Currock, had brought along her two young children - Ivy and Daisy.

“It’s Ivy’s first time and it is Daisy’s second time,” Kellie commented.

“They’ll love it because of the theme as well.”

The group of friends were well prepared for the night as they donned their wellies and their light-up Mickey Mouse ears.

Emma Renac brought her two children Anna, five and Erin, 11 down from Dumfries to see the fireworks.

“We came two years ago and we’re looking forward to seeing them again,” she said.“It’s a huge event so it’s definitely worth coming.”

Being three at the time, Anna couldn’t remember coming to the Carlisle Fireshow last time, so was especially excited to be there this year.

The event will be the 32nd fireshow staged by the council, and over the years it has grown to be one of the biggest events of its kind in the UK.

From the start, turnouts for annual event has always far exceeded expectations: the first fireshow was held on October 31, 1987 and about 200 people were expected to come along.

But 2,000 arrived.

More than 35,000 spectators were expected at last night's show, which has been named in the The Times Top 10 bonfires list. Many people regard the venue - a natural open-air auditorium - as ideal for an annual fireshow - a point that the show's growing popularity seems to prove.

Do you think last night's show was the best one ever?