Bumper Bank Holiday

Carlisle set to play host to fantastic family events

Carlisle is set to have a Bumper Bank holiday this weekend, with free events planned to suit all the family.

The city is set to play host to a variety of activities to suit all tastes, including a Tennis Festival at Bitts Park on Saturday (23 May) afternoon, a giant street party with spectacular entertainment in Carlisle’s city centre on Sunday (24 May) evening and Upperby Gala next Monday (25 May).

Saturday, 23 May Tennis Festival: Bitts Park – 12noon-3pm

Bitts Park’s first ever tennis festival will include the chance to win tickets for this year’s Wimbledon.

Budding tennis stars of all ages and abilities are being invited along to the free family event. In support of the event, the Tennis Foundation has donated a family pass for Wimbledon (four tickets). Anyone attending the festival will receive a free raffle ticket with one winner will be chosen, as part of a free prize draw, at the end of the event.

Organised by Carlisle City Council and Carlisle Leisure Limited, activities will include cardio-tennis (tennis aerobics to music), adult tennis taster sessions, mini-tennis and the tennis factory (inflatable tennis equipment). Guided walks around Bitts Park will also be available throughout the afternoon.

Sunday, 24 May: Reach for the Sky – city centre (pedestrianised area in front of the Old Town Hall) 7.30pm -10pm

French performers Transe Express will appear as part of a public banquet in the centre of Carlisle.  Live music and dancing in the streets will build towards a stunning finale in which a troupe of drummers will be hoisted high into the sky to create a giant human mobile, beating out the rhythm of the night amongst the stars. People can bring a picnic to enjoy their own personal feast and there will also be a number of food stalls. The event is part of Reach for the Sky, a series of six large scale outdoor events across the Lake District and other parts of Cumbria. The event in Carlisle is being created and directed by Kendal Arts International (KAI) with the support of Carlisle City Council.

Monday, 25 May: Upperby Gala – Hammond’s Pond – 2pm-5pm

Carlisle City Council’s Upperby Gala will provide fun for all the family. Visitors will be entertained by The Kangaroos Gymnastic Display Team, the Gus Dermody Sheepdog Trials and the Heroes’ Cheerleading Team.

Local soccer skills will also be tested out as part of a mini-football tournament organised by Upperby Park FC and children’s entertainer Daffy Dill, Tatty Bumpkins’ Yoga for babies and small children (18 months – 7 years old), fairground rides and a model railway will provide a packed programme for children and young people. 

Stalls from a variety of local community groups will offer information and activities. The Army and Royal Navy will also be attending the event. The Lairds of Dixieland Jazz Band and a vintage vehicle display will also form part of the community event’s entertainment.

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

"This Bank Holiday includes a wide variety of free exciting events to suit all family. In addition to traditional events, such as the Upperby Gala, we’re also lucky to be welcoming Lakes Alive’s Reach for the Sky in the city centre. This exciting event will include world renowned performers and is something not to be missed. We hope as many people as possible take up the chance to enjoy the free entertainment."