These are exciting times for TWFRS, as we look forward to welcoming Fire and Rescue Service colleagues from up and down the country for the 2021 UKRO Challenge – Festival of Rescue, which will be taking over Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides between 17 and 18 September.

There will be nearly 400 competitors taking part in the five specialist disciplines of Vehicle Extrication; Trauma Care; Urban Search and Rescue; Rope Rescue; and Water Rescue.

We are expecting this to pull in the crowds and create a real buzz across Tyne & Wear and beyond.

The event is being supported by Gateshead Council and Newcastle City Council.

In the build up to the big event, we have asked some of the national teams to inform us of their preparations.

Please find below the response from Firefighter, Andrew House of Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service – who will be sending three teams up to the ‘Festival of Rescue’ two trauma and one extrication.

Q1: What preparations are you doing in the run up to UKRO?

We are squeezing in as much training as possible, which has proved difficult due to COVID measures, and the fact our team is made up of firefighters from a number of stations including mixed crewing of wholetime and On-Call.

Q2: Describe how you’re feeling in the build up to UKRO? – What are your emotions and expectations about visiting the North East Tyne and Wear?

We are nervously excited due to having new team members and having not competed since 2019. We’ve struggled to get training in due to COVID measures and ‘tis’ a year for building.

Q3: What do you hope visitors to the Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides can expect from your appearance at UKRO 2021?

I hope they can see our professionalism and friendliness, and we are excited to see what Tyne and Wear have organised as the plans look amazing.

Q4: How important are events like UKRO?

The ability for professional rescue services to attend events like this, that are not just about competing but sharing knowledge, experience, best practices and networking are vital.

All in the advancement of professional rescue and setting a standard for the whole country not just counties or regions. On top of that when it is held in such a public area and used as a community safety event – the foot traffic increases, which in turn promotes the Fire Service and key safety messages whilst showcasing the technical skills and professionalism of Firefighters across the UK.

For further information about the Festival of Rescue 17/18 September please visit the official UKRO website.

#FestivalofRescue