Carlisle – the Christmas City

Festive Carol Parade

(Date of issue: Monday, 8 December 2008)

Local residents are being invited to join a local Christmas Carol parade this Thursday (11 December).

Staged in the city centre, the event will start at the Cathedral and will include live entertainment from The Salvation Army band.

The free event has been organised by Carlisle City Council in partnership with the Diocese and will include carol singing in the Cathedral and in the city centre, around this year’s spectacular Christmas ‘features’. Two sculptures created by local artist John Parkinson form part of the city’s festive programme, each is an interpretation of a well-known carol i.e. ‘Ding dong merrily on high’ and ‘I saw three ships’. Sky Movies, support of this year’s Christmas programme has helped to bring the installations to life, both of which have proved to be a integral element of the city centre decorations and Carol Parade event.

The event starts at 6.30pm in the Cathedral and then at approximately 6.45pm the procession will move into the city centre.

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Mike Mitchelson, said:

"The Carol Parade is a great community event which was a great success last year. We hope that even more residents join in with this year’s festivities. "

The event will conclude with a hog roast in the historic Tithe Barn. Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in the city centre. Contact 01228 625600 for details.