Countdown to Tamworth’s free fireworks event 2017
The countdown is on to the biggest and most popular event in Tamworth’s calendar as the FREE fireworks spectacular returns this Saturday, November 4.
This year’s event will be the ninth year that Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts & Events team have organised a breath-taking display to light up the skies above the Castle Grounds.
Entertainment begins at 6pm and includes fire performers, face painting, a sparkler zone, family activities, artisan food stalls and a fair. From 8pm the impressive display of fireworks, set to music, will light up the skies above Tamworth.
Due to the event’s popularity, visitors are asked to plan ahead and be patient when travelling to the event and moving in and out of the main arena. Road closures for pedestrians and vehicles have been outlined on a map that can be downloaded from: www.tamworth.gov.uk/countdown-tamworth-fireworks
For those driving to the event, limited free parking is available at Tamworth Borough Council car parks around the town centre after 6pm (please note parking charges will apply to the privately-owned car park operated by Gallan Parking on the site of the former Gungate Precinct). Motorists are reminded that any parking must be in accordance with prevailing traffic orders and enforcement may be carried out by Staffordshire County Council officers for public safety and traffic flow purposes where vehicles are illegally parked.
The Tamworth fireworks spectacular is sponsored by Ankerside Shopping Centre which is offering free parking in the Apcoa multi-storey car park from 5.30pm. Visitors won’t need to take a ticket from the entry barrier after 5.30pm, they can drive straight in and then out once the display has finished.
There will be no access into Ankerside Shopping Centre itself from 6pm, so visitors will need to return to the car park via alternative route after the display.
People are advised to walk or use public transport where possible and to arrive in plenty of time for the fireworks as some footpaths around the area will close during the display for safety reasons.
Footpaths leading to the Castle Grounds underneath ‘the Egg’ roundabout from Glascote, Bolehall and Kettlebrook, will close at 7.50pm until the fireworks display is finished.
Ankerdrive will also close to vehicles and pedestrians during that time, as will a single lane nearest the Castle Grounds on the Riverdrive carriageway.
Visitors are also asked to be patient when entering and leaving the main arena via the signposted exit points and follow instructions from the stewarding team. Entertainment will continue after the main fireworks display for anyone who wants to wait for the crowds to reduce before making the journey home.
Cllr Joy Goodall, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Environment & Culture, said: “We are delighted to be able to host such a large event for thousands and thousands of people to enjoy, free of charge.
“The event has become a firm favourite in the town’s annual calendar of events and has attracted upwards of 25,000 people in recent years. This year is expected to be no exception.
“The celebrations will be busy, so I’d urge people to plan ahead and either walk or arrange alternative transport. I’d remind anyone who is driving that usual highways regulations apply and to please park sensibly, as anyone parking illegally could receive a fine.
“Activities will continue after the main fireworks display for anyone who wants to stay a while longer to avoid the big rush and we would urge people to please be patient and to leave via the signposted routes so that everyone can get home safely.”
