New sponsor ensures Carlisle has a very merry ‘green Christmas’

(Date of issue: Thursday, 13 November 2008)

With only a few days to go until the official switching on of the Christmas lights, Carlisle City Council is pleased to announce Sky Movies, as the major sponsor for the dazzling seasonal illumination of the city and forthcoming events in the run up to Christmas.

Sky Movies support of the event will complement the lights and the overall Christmas experience the city has to offer, helping to make the lights bigger, better and brighter than ever before. But that’s not all, as this year rather than white Carlisle will be dreaming of a green Christmas, as Sky Movies are helping to ensure 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.

Sky Movies has an unbeatable list of films over the Christmas period, from premieres of The Golden Compass, Enchanted and Stardust, to Christmas Classics like Holiday Inn. The theme that runs throughout their festive campaign is Christmas lights, so when they were looking for somewhere to celebrate Christmas this year, they approached Carlisle.

Ian Lewis, Director of Sky Movies and SBO explains:

"Movies and Christmas go together like mistletoe and wine. So when Sky Movies heard about Carlisle’s reputation for putting on a unique Christmas show we thought it would be the perfect city to help bring in the festive season.

"We’re particularly excited to be turning Carlisle’s White Christmas a little bit green by helping the city save energy with the introduction of the energy-saving LED light bulbs."

The final energy saving bulbs are currently being put in place for this Sunday’s (16 November) official star-studded lights switch on. Local singing sensation and star of Britain’s Got Talent Andrew Johnston will be the guest of honour, and in charge of flicking the magic switch and lighting up the streets of Carlisle, ready for the festive season.

The Sky Movies support will help enhance 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 will also help to illuminate one of the city’s main landmarks - Carlisle Castle – which will be adorned with striking interchangeable coloured lights, to be officially switched on later this week.

Additional activities supported by Sky Movies are also planned for other parts of the city centre and will be announced soon.

Leader of Carlisle City Council Cllr Mike Mitchelson, said:

"Having the support of Sky Movies this year is really exciting for the city and the Christmas experience we are offering. Their support will ensure that our lighting scheme is not only one of the most sparkling but will also be ‘greener’ and better for the environment."

The lights switch-on will mark the start of the Carlisle – The Christmas City festivities. Carlisle’s school boy soprano, Andrew Johnston, will join the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Jacquelyne Geddes to trigger a galaxy of Christmas lights in the city centre at 5.30pm this Sunday.

The lights switch-on, arranged by Carlisle City Council, the News & Star and CFM Radio will begin Carlisle's countdown to Christmas. As part of the build-up to the event, entertainment will be provided in the city centre from 2pm onwards.

The final preparations for Carlisle’s Christmas are well underway. A sparkling ten metre tall tree will be the city's centrepiece and will include 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.

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

Following last year's success, the Carlisle Christmas Market, held in the city centre, will be in place between Wednesday 3 December and Sunday 7 December. The Christmas Market will operate alongside the city’s Victorian Market Hall, who will be staging a Christmas Party on Saturday 6 December.

A Christmas Carol Parade will also be held on Thursday 11 December. Starting at 6.30pm from the Cathedral, this popular event will wind through the city centre to be followed by a Hog Roast in the historic Tithe Barn. Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre.

Santa will be making a visit to Carlisle’s Talkin Tarn this Christmas. A Green Grotto will be open in the Alex Boathouse on Saturday 6 - Sunday 7 December, Saturday 13 - Sunday 14 December and Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 December, between 11am and 3pm each day. As well as meeting Santa and receiving a small gift, there will also be the chance for local children to post their letter to Lapland. Entry is £2.50 per child.

Lanercost Priory is hosting a ‘Magical Christmas Tree Festival’ this festive season. The ancient Augustinian Priory is set to be the perfect backdrop for a spectacular collection of creatively decorated Christmas Trees. The event will be held between 10am - 9pm on Friday 12 December and between 10am - 6pm on Saturday 13 December and Sunday 14 December. Entry is £6 per person.

Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery has a packed programme of activities this festive season. A Christmas Fun Day will be held on Saturday 13 December and will include free fun workshops, for all the family to enjoy.