Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On
X Factor Winner to Headline Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On
Carlisle will be awash with seasonal cheer this November as the city begins its official Christmas countdown.
Over the coming months there are dozens of festive family events planned for the city including the much anticipated Christmas lights switch-on, the traditional Christmas markets and much more.
Kicking off with the Christmas lights switch-on on November 20, Carlisle City Council have been busy organising yet another magical event, which will no doubt get even the biggest of scrooges’ into the wondrous spirits of the season.
This year’s lights extravaganza will take place between 2pm and 5:30pm and will see the city centre transformed into a spectacle of excitement as hundreds of locals and visitors step out to enjoy the first taste of the Christmas celebrations.
Last year’s star studded event welcomed Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro to carry out the all important task of lighting up Carlisle and this year is set to be even better. X Factor winner Ben Haenow will headline the event and will be joined by other celebrity acts, including Britain’s Got Talent 2016 Runner-Up Wayne Woodward, X Factor 2016 Christian Burrows and 2014 Britain’s Got Talent Bailey McConnell.
The afternoon’s entertainment will also include, for the first time, a ‘stars of the future’ line up’. This includes Tarkan Basara and Channy Thompson alongside a showcase of local community groups and performers.
Cllr Anne Quilter, Portfolio holder for Culture, Heritage and Leisure, said: “We’ve got a great line up this year and I’m pleased that there will be a mix of top performers and local talent. The ‘stars of the future’ line up will be an opportunity to showcase up and coming entertainers. The event is not to be missed. ”
Carlisle Christmas Markets will also be making a return this winter offering mouth-wateringinternational food, drinks and delicately crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of the buzzing city.
Taking place between Wednesday November 30 and Saturday December 3, Carlisle city centre will be decked out with quaint wooden stalls offering an array of locally produced: treats, gifts, crafts, and jewellery. Soak up the atmosphere and follow the market trail as it winds through the city centre, tempting you with a whole array of Christmas goodies.
And that’s not all; between December 17 and December 22, children will have the chance to meet Father Christmas in his glittering grotto before embarking on a journey though the magical marquee. Featuring woodland creatures and Santa’s little helpers, children will be amazed by the festive extravaganza.
Keeping up the festivities, St Cuthbert’s Church will be getting into the swing of Christmas on December 8 as they put on their annual Christmas Carol Parade. Starting at 6:15pm, the popular event will include carol singing in the city centre followed by a hog roast dinner in the historic Tithe Barn. Tickets for the hog roast will be available on the night of the event.
Carlisle’s Victorian Covered Market Hall will also be filled with Christmas cheer when it stages its Festive Fun Day on Saturday December 10 between 11 and 3pm. Santa and friends will be there handing out chocolate treats, while entertainment will be provided by Astral Circus, Mary the Faerie and Silly Gilly face-painters.
And, for those wanting to take on a spot of late night shopping over the Christmas months, the Lanes shopping centre will be open every Thursday between November 17 and December 22, providing ample time to get all the gifts on that never-ending wish list.
Hardline scrooges won’t be able to avoid the twinkling lights, tempting smells and children’s excitement and with masses planned for the whole family over the seasonal period, there’s no excuse not to get into the Christmas spirit.
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