Carlisle – The BIG Switch On

Countdown to Christmas lights switch on

(Date of issue: Tuesday, 10 November 2009)

Carlisle's city centre is set to stage a dazzling line-up to celebrate the lighting up of the city’s festive decorations this Sunday (15 November).

Carlisle City Council and leisure partners Carlisle Leisure Ltd (CLL) have teamed up to provide a packed family entertainment programme, to suit all ages. ‘The BIG Switch On’ stage will be in place outside the Old Town Hall and will play host to a fabulous afternoon that will include free open-air entertainment and the chance to take part in a mass sing-a-long.

One of CBBC’s most popular presenters, Iain Stirling, will join the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr William Graham to trigger a galaxy of Christmas lights in the city centre at 5.30pm. Iain is thrilled to be part of the event, he said: "I cannot wait to come to Carlisle and help light up the city for Christmas. It’s going to be an awesome day!"

Carlisle City Council Leader, Cllr Mike Mitchelson said:

"The lights switch-on will mark the start of the festivities. There will be a packed programme of family entertainment, something to suit all tastes and the sparkling event will be a fitting start to our countdown to Christmas. Our overall Christmas programme includes a wide range of activities which we hope will attract visitors to help support local businesses and boosting the local economy during the festive period."

The BIG Switch On will begin Carlisle's countdown to Christmas. The programme will start at 3pm with a reflective celebration for all who have been touched by the special work undertaken by Eden Valley Hospice. The Light Up A Life service will be a chance to remember loved ones, at the time of year when they are missed most. There will be a selection poignant readings and a scattering of popular Christmas carols backed by the ever popular Salvation Army Brass Band. At 3.30pm the Light Up A Life Christmas tree will be lit by celebrity guest Anne Nolan.

From 3.30pm the stage will become alive with none-stop entertainment, which will all be introduced by ITV Lookaround presenters Pam Royale and Ian Payne and CFM’s Robbie Dee. As part of the event, messages and dedications will be read out by the celebrity comperes. Anyone requests can be texted to 07593 43 44 45. The number is now live and available to use.

First up is Carlisle Does kara-ABBA-Oke! With what is surely going to be the city’s biggest ever sing-along, a team of singers and dancers will lead the crowd through all of ABBA’s biggest hits, with the lyrics to each song being displayed for all to see on Eddie Stobart’s giant screen.

Next, Disco Diva Anne Nolan will be showing the crowd how to strut their stuff and proving that she’s still in the mood for dancing as she performs a fast moving foot stomping set of disco hits.

The whole show cast and presenters will watch on as CBBC’s star Iain Stirling and the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr William Graham trigger the lights at 5.30pm. X Factor stars, SAME DIFFERENCE will perform the show’s finale.

The Sands Centre’s Jonathan Higgins, who is producing the show for CLL said:

"Putting together the Christmas Lights Switch On Show for the City is hugely exciting for the CLL Events Team. We have worked hard to come up with a show that will appeal to all age groups. I’m sure that we’ll get the whole city centre in the Christmas mood, no matter how cold it gets!".

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 2 December and Sunday 6 December. The Christmas Market will operate alongside the city’s Victorian Market Hall, who will be staging a Christmas Party on Saturday 5 December.

A Christmas Carol Parade will also be held on Thursday 10 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 5 - Sunday 6 December, Saturday 12 - Sunday 13 December and Saturday 19 - Sunday 20 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.

Tullie House Museum has a packed programme of activities this festive season. A Christmas Fun Day will be held on Saturday 12 December and will include free fun workshops, for all the family to enjoy.