Carlisle Christmas Market opens for business

(Date of issue: Friday, 28 November 2008)

Next week will see the return of Carlisle’s popular Christmas Market.

Following the success of last year’s event, the 2008 Market will be held between Wednesday, 3 December and Sunday, 7 December. Staged within the city centre’s pedestrianised shopping area, the event will include around 50 stalls from around the World. Shoppers will be able to sample culinary and hand crafted goods from as far a field as Australia, India, China and many European countries.

Building on the success of previous Continental Markets, which have attracted thousands of visitors to the city centre, the event 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 Wednesday, 3 December and Saturday, 6 December. Each day will see different Made In Cumbria traders.

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

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

"This year, with support from our new sponsor, Sky Movies, we will be providing a packed Christmas City programme. The Christmas Market is a valuable part of the programme, and will help us compete in the same league as other established Christmas market destinations. It will help raise the profile of the city as an attractive visitor destination and will provide another popular event for residents too."

Sky Movies, are the major sponsor for this year’s dazzling seasonal illumination of the city and forthcoming events in the run up to Christmas. Their support have ensured that all 2,400 light bulbs, which form part of the city centre display, are energy saving LED’s, demonstrating Sky’s ongoing commitment to the environment.

The Sky Movies support also enhances Carlisle’s bid to be the ultimate ‘Christmas City’ and draw in crowds from far and wide to enjoy and admire the stunning display of lights and other activities which will be going on in the run up to Christmas. In addition to the new energy efficient lighting, their support has also helped to illuminate one of the city’s main landmarks - Carlisle Castle – which is now adorned with striking interchangeable coloured lights.

Organised by Carlisle City Council, the city's decorations also include a sparkling ten metre tall tree, illuminations around key city landmarks - including the Citadel and a traditional Nativity scene in the city centre.

Carlisle City Council has also attracted sponsorship and support from Cumbria County Council and The Lanes Shopping Centre.