Watch as firefighters from across the UK show off their rescue skills in Newcastle

The free, two-day family event is providing the opportunity for 300 competitors to showcase their life-saving skills in and around the river Tyne. In particular, Tyne & Wear Fire And Rescue are working closely with Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council to pull out all of the stops to ensure The Festival of Rescue is one of the standout events of the summer.

The sixty-seven entered teams are battling it out across five key disciplines - pitting their wits against each other as they look to go head-to-head, and be crowned the very best in their field. The five disciplines include: ·

• Vehicle Extrication (in partnership with Newcastle City Council)
• Trauma Care (in partnership with Gateshead Council)
• Urban Search and Rescue (in partnership with Sunderland City Council)
•  Rope Rescue (in partnership with South Tyneside Council)
• Water Rescue* (in partnership with North Tyneside Council)

As well as the Challenge, TWFRS will also offer spectators the opportunity to visit the Community Engagement Village, where both residents and businesses can receive some great help and advice on keeping themselves, their homes and their businesses safe. There is recruitment information and fire safety demonstrations on-show. One of the engagement themes will focus on deliberate fire reduction and arson protection for businesses.

Chief Fire Officer, Chris Lowther of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“The Festival of Rescue is going to be a fantastic occasion that everyone in attendance will remember for years to come.  The scale and ambition of this two day showcase will be a lasting legacy for the North East and our partners as this is the biggest event of its type ever to be staged in the United Kingdom.”

As a charitable organisation UKRO (United Kingdom Rescue Organisation) prides itself in advancing professional rescue through the direct benefits from the rescue challenge, education workshops and the UKRO Academy.

Neil Odin, Chair of the UKRO and Chief Fire Officer of Hampshire and Isle of Wight FRS said:

“We are all very much looking forward to this event. It is the highlight of our year and to be able to host it at such a fantastic venue is very exciting for all UKRO personnel.”