Carlisle Winter Lights Festival
Carlisle to dazzle shoppers again
(Date of issue: Wednesday, 19 October 2011)
Carlisle city centre will dazzle with over 40,000 extra lights
as the city stages a Winter Lights Festival for the second year
running.
As autumn draws in, trees in the city centre are being given an
extra sparkle with clear, energy efficient LED lights to create an
unmissable winter shopping atmosphere.
The Winter Lights will create a tree-lined avenue of light and
will be switched on this Friday (21 October). They will remain in
place until February half term to give the city centre an extra
sparkle encouraging visitors, shoppers and residents to support
local businesses.
The lights are as a result of collaboration between a range of
city businesses and Carlisle City Council. It involves businesses
sponsoring a tree each and meeting the cost of the lighting.
Supporters include Carlisle City Council, The Lanes Shopping
Centre, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, CN Events (Cumberland News),
Peter Tyson, System People Training, Carlisle Tourism Partnership,
The Crown Hotel, Wetheral, CFM Radio, Carlisle Racecourse, Hoopers,
Cranstons and Outrageous Cabaret Bar.
Cllr Marilyn Bowman, Portfolio holder for Economic Development,
said:
“Carlisle is a magnet for shoppers and brings people here not
just from the city itself but from across Cumbria and the
surrounding areas. We want to make the city shine as a Christmas
shopping experience in the county and get people here on breaks or
visiting the Lake District, the Borders or Northumberland, so they
use our shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes and help support the
city centre economy.”
David Jackson, Commercial Director of The Lanes, added:
“The Lanes is delighted to support the Winter Lights Festival.
It will extend a warm welcome to everyone who visits the city over
the winter months as well as adding to the festivities over
Christmas. We are looking forward to a busy Christmas and hope
everyone enjoys what The Lanes and the city has to offer.”
The Winter Lights Festival is only one of a host of city-centre
events lined-up to boost the city’s Christmas spirit in the
countdown to Christmas. These include:
- The BIG Switch On – Carlisle city centre on Sunday, 20
November, when the remaining Christmas lights, including the lights
on the 35-foot real Christmas tree, will be switched on as part of
an afternoon of free entertainment in the city centre. Olivia
Story, will join the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Barry Earp, to trigger
a galaxy of Christmas lights in the city centre at 5.30pm. The
programme will start at 2pm, when the stage will come alive with
non-stop entertainment.
- Santa Parade – Thursday 24 November. Following a fun-packed
family event in Carlisle Castle, between 5.45pm and 6.30pm, Father
Christmas and his reindeer will be led on his sleigh in a parade
through the city streets to meet the town crier to declare the
official opening of the second Cumbrian Christmas Market.
- Cumbrian Christmas Market - Carlisle city centre, between 24 -
27 November, with traditional wooden chalet stalls, and a host of
festive gifts, food and much. Entertainment each day.
- International Christmas Market - Carlisle city centre, between
7 -11 December. The return of this popular market with its gifts.
Flavours and aromas from all over Continental Europe and beyond.
You will be spoilt for choice with such a wide collection of stalls
and products from Thailand, India, South Africa, France, Germany,
Spain and so many more!
- Christmas Carol Service - Carlisle Cathedral on Thursday, 8
December at 6.15pm. This will be followed by carol singing in the
city centre and a Hog Roast at the Tithe Barn for those who attend
the service.