Countdown underway for glittering show!

(Date of issue: Monday, 15 November 2010)

The countdown is underway for this Sunday’s (21 November) Carlisle festive lights switch on.

Carlisle City Council and leisure partners Carlisle Leisure Ltd (CLL) have teamed up again 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 Blue Peter’s most popular presenters and local girl Helen Skelton, will join the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Mary Styth, to trigger a galaxy of Christmas lights in the city centre at 5.30pm. Helen is thrilled to be part of the event, she said: “I cannot wait to come to Carlisle and help light up the city for Christmas. It’s going to be an awesome day!”

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

“The lights switch-on will mark the start of our 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 enthuse residents and visitors alike and help support local businesses and boost the local economy during the festive period.”

The BIG Switch On! is a part of Carlisle's countdown to Christmas. The programme will start at 3pm, when the stage will come alive with non-stop entertainment, compered by CFM Radio’s Robbie Dee and Sands Centre Events Manager, Jonathan Higgins. As part of the event, messages and dedications will be read out by the presenters. Requests can be texted to 07593 43 44 45. The number is now live and available to use.

First up is Razamatazz Theatre School, who will be performing a selection of fun-packed Christmas numbers. Then performing arts students from the University of Cumbria take to the stage, continuing the festive theme.

Last year, a team of singers and dancers led the crowd through all of ABBA’s biggest hits, which was billed as Carlisle’s biggest ever karaoke. It has been decided to continue in the same vein this year and Jonathan Higgins, who will be producing The Big Switch On! show on behalf of the City Council, said: “The big show of the moment is definitely Glee, so we thought what better way to keep warm on a November afternoon that with a giant Glee-Along?!.” All of the lyrics to each song will be displayed for all to see on the Stobart Big Screen.

Next, the city centre is sure to be bouncing with performances by three of Carlisle’s most popular groups. Stevie D’s FAITH, Promo Girl and Roberts and Ashcroft, who are the resident cabaret act at Outrageous Cabaret bar.

Just before the lights are switched on, star of Britain’s Got Talent, Shaun Smith will perform, then after the lights go on, X-Factor finalist, Lloyd Daniels will be wooing the crowd in the show’s finale.

Jonathan continued: “Putting together the Christmas Lights Switch On Show for the City Council is hugely exciting for the CLL Events Team. We have worked hard with the Council 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!”.

Gill Burns, Carlisle City Council’s Community Events Manager, added: “The Show, this year, will be a fantastic lift for residents and visitors and some spectacular changes to the lighting displays in the city centre, including for the first time for several years, a real tree, which residents had put at the top of their list in a survey carried out last Christmas, will add a further WOW factor to whole occasion.”