Love Parks Week 2010

Saturday 24 July - Sunday 1 August

Nine days of events and activities for all ages and interests across the parks and green spaces of Carlisle. Highlights include:

'English Street Park' for a day!

Saturday 24 July - 10am to 4pm - city centre pedestrianised area

Enjoy Carlisle’s newest park! With support from Homebase, we’re creating a unique park for a day in English Street, in the heart of the city’s shopping centre. Come and meet the ‘Green Fingered Folk’ and find out about Carlisle’s other parks, green spaces and Love Parks Week events.

Tai Chi in the Park

Monday 26 July - 3.30pm to 4.30pm, Chance's Park, Morton

Wednesday 28 July - 12noon to 2pm - Victoria Gardens, Bitts Park

Friday 30 July - 12noon to 2pm - Portland Square

Relax with the ancient and gentle Chinese art of Tai Chi. Slow, flowing movements and gentle breathing practices help find balance, ease and stillness in busy lives. Suitable for everyone.

Nature in Bitts Park

Tuesday 27 July - 11am to 3pm, Bitts Park, Dacre Road

Children of all ages can find out about local wildlife with lots of hands on activities from, amongst others, Tullie House Museum, RSPB, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Eden Rivers Trust and Solway Coast AONB. Also storytelling and facepainting.

Jazz Picnic in the Cathedral Grounds

Tuesday 27 July - 12noon to 2pm

Take a breath of lunchtime fresh-air in the Cathedral’s beautiful grounds, enjoying live music from ‘Esk Valley Jazz’.

Pedal in the Park

Tuesday 27 July - 1pm to 4pm - 'On yer bike' in St James' Park, Denton Holme

Wednesday 28 July - 1pm to 4pm - 'On yer bike' in Bitts Park, Dacre Road

Challenge yourself on the North Shore Mountain Bike Track on this cycling taster session, which will also include an obstacle and skills course and a range of bikes to try out, including tricycles and tandems.

Poetry Picnic in the Park

Thursday 29 July - 12.30pm to 2.30pm

Take a literary lunch break in the beautiful surroundings of Carlisle Cathedral, listening to readings from renowned writers, Grevel Lindrop and Angela Locke.

Grow it, Cook it, Eat it - Adelaide Street Allotments

Saturday 31 July - 2pm to 3pm

Explore the world of home produce with local celebrity chef John Crouch selecting,preparing and cooking the freshest fruit and vegetables at Adelaide Street allotments. Then taste the results! Courtesy of Adelaide Street Allotment Association and with support from Barnardo’s.

Flicks in Bitts

Sunday 1 August - 12.30pm to 6pm, Bitts Park, Dacre Road

A free open-air performance of two blockbusting films. With support from Filmbank, Eddie Stobart and the University of Cumbria, the Oscar-winning animation ‘Up’ (Cert. U) will be screened at 1.30pm, followed by family favourite ‘Mamma Mia’ (Cert. PG) at 4pm.

Bring a picnic, buy refreshments from on-site local caterers, watch the films and enjoy family entertainment in the beautiful surroundings of Bitts Park. No tickets required.