Carlisle Castle and Citadel lights up for festive season

(Date of issue: Thursday, 19 November 2009)

Some of Carlisle’s iconic buildings are welcoming in the festive season in style.

The imposing fortress will soon be elegantly illuminated by a dynamic and contemporary lighting scheme, funded by English Heritage in partnership with Carlisle Renaissance. The lighting of the castle will form a dramatic element of Carlisle – The Christmas City, organised by Carlisle City Council.

The lighting scheme has been designed to highlight and emphasise the dramatic outline of the fortress set against the winter skyline. The ‘keep’ will be awash with changing colour combinations whilst the curtain wall is lit up with a constant crimson glow.

Richard Polley, English Heritage’s Head of Visitor Operations for Cumbria, said:

"We are delighted that the castle, such an important part of the city’s history, will play an integral role in the celebrations in Carlisle this Christmas. We received an extremely positive reaction to the illumination of the castle in previous years and hope it will be similarly welcomed this year."

The Citadel will also be illuminated. The impressive oval towers dominate the southern entrance to the city and will also have a complementary lighting scheme, partly funded by Cumbria County Council.

Cumbria County Councillor John Mallinson, Chair of Carlisle Local Committee, said:

"I'm delighted that the local committee have been able to help out and I hope that we'll have Christmas lights that are as impressive as last year."

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

"Following the success of this initiative last year, we are pleased to be working with English Heritage and Cumbria County Council to achieve these dramatic lighting schemes. The Citadel and Castle are iconic to Carlisle’s identity, and provide spectacular gateways to the city."

The final preparations for Carlisle’s Christmas are well underway. A sparkling ten metre tall tree is the city's centrepiece and includes colourful decorations and lights. The feature forms part of Carlisle city centre's overall illuminations which were switched on as part of The BIG Switch On last Sunday (15 November). Organised by Carlisle City Council, the city's decorations will also include a traditional Nativity scene in the city centre.