Carlisle Christmas Market opens for business

This Saturday (1 December) will see the return of Carlisle’s popular Christmas Market.

Following the success of last year’s event, the 2007 Market will be extended and will be bigger and better. Staged within the city centre’s pedestrianised shopping area, the nine-day event (Saturday, 1 December – Sunday, 9 December) will include more than 80 stalls from around the World. Shoppers will be able to sample culinary delights from as far a field as Australia, India, China and many European countries.

Quality Christmas crafts will also be on sale, for those on the looking for that special handcrafted gift.

Building on the success of previous Continental Markets, which have attracted thousands of visitors to the city centre, the event will be bigger than ever before and will be open late each day except Sunday, and will remain open till 9pm for Thursday late night shopping.

Made In Cumbria will join the market between Tuesday, 4 December and Saturday, 8 December. Each day will see different Made In Cumbria traders.

Cllr Mike Mitchelson, Leader of Carlisle City Council said:

"This year we have made a major effort with our partners, to significantly strengthen and enhance our Christmas City programme for the benefit of both visitors and residents alike. The Christmas Market is a valuable part of the programme, and will help us compete in the same league as Lincoln, Manchester and other established Christmas market destinations. It will once again raise the profile of the city as an attractive visitor destination and will provide another popular event for residents too."

The market will operate alongside the city’s Victorian Market Hall, which offers a wide-range of traditional, local traders.

Carlisle – the Christmas City hopes to attract more than two million visitors to the city. Carlisle’s flagship Christmas programme includes a sparkling new ten metre tall tree as the city centre's centrepiece, incorporating colourful decorations and lights. The feature is set to dazzle and delight and is yet another attraction to savour as part of Carlisle city centre's overall illuminations and festive features.

The city's decorations include the illumination of key city landmarks - including the Citadel and Castle. These contemporary illuminations have been funded by Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council and English Heritage. A unique Nativity scene will also be placed in the city centre outside the Old Town Hall. A Carol Parade will also be held on Thursday 13 December.

During the Christmas Market period 2006 there was an 8% increase in footfall compared to the same period in the previous year. Visitor income for November and December in 2006 also increased by 4% compared to 2005 and the 2006 accommodation occupancy was also up by 12% compared to the previous year. Group travel enquiries have already been received for next year.

Carlisle City Council has attracted sponsorship and support from Story Homes, Cumbria County Council, English Heritage, Carlisle Renaissance and The Lanes Shopping Centre.