Coming To Carlisle in 2020
Carlisle’s events start with a sparkle over the dark winter nights before some of pops biggest names wow the crowds with their outdoor concerts later this summer. We also host two famous dynasties and learn something from the world’s most famous toy.
Treasures of China
Tullie House
25 January – 26 April
Tullie House will host a major new exhibition that unveils the splendour of almost 4,000 years of imperial culture. Treasures of China brings together rarely seen porcelain, embroidery, calligraphy, silk, jade and other precious items. Discover the dynastic history of China and the splendour of the Imperial Court with displays of the sumptuous clothing and precious jades that oozed wealth and status. A stunning display of contemporary art from Chinese artists will show how the fascinating history and symbolism of Imperial China continues to inspire Chinese culture today.
City of Lights
12 – 15 February
City Centre
This promises to be one of the highlights of the year as an exciting line-up of events, displays and installations take over Carlisle for the first-ever ‘City of Lights’ project. Residents will see their city like never before when local landmarks are illuminated with coloured lights and projections. A stunning visual spectacle inside Carlisle Cathedral will reveal the universe, galaxies, space, creation and light through a variety of sound and light installations that will transform the landmark. Many public areas of the city will also be illuminated with eye-catching displays.
Aida
7 March
Sands Centre
After its successful season of Madama Butterfly, Carmen and La Traviata last year, Russian State Opera returns to delight you with Aida. The production guarantees to impress with sumptuous sets and splendid costumes. Verdi brings ancient Egypt to life with an evolving love story at the backdrop of war. The princess of Ethiopia (Aida) falls in love with the Egyptian General (Radames) and he is besotted with her. Radames is chosen to lead the war with Ethiopia and Aida has to choose between her lover, her father or her country.
Image credit BigBeat
Rudimental
4 July
Carlisle Racecourse
The Jockey Club Live and Carlisle Racecourse are proud to announce Drum and Bass band Rudimental will bring their acclaimed DJ set to Cumbria for an open-air concert. The BRIT-Award winning group has sold over 4.3 million singles in the UK and the four-piece returned to the music scene last summer with their Gold-selling single ‘Sun Comes Up’ which features James Arthur. The mid-summer event will follow a great days racing and it’s bound to be one of the most anticipated nights of the racing season.
Little Mix
Bitts Park
24 July
The summer highlights continue when the world’s biggest girl band headline an outdoor concert in Bitts Park. Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall have not only established themselves as one of British pop’s brightest acts but as a global pop phenomenon and fans will be treated to some of their greatest hits including ‘Woman Like Me’, ‘Touch’, ‘Shout Out to My Ex’, ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Wings’. The quartet has asserted dominance in the charts with album after album and their live performance is not to be missed.
Brick History
Tullie House
27 June – 27 September
Very few of us have not built something out of LEGO at one stage but not everyone has attempted to recreate pivotal moments of world history with the classic toy. This is history brought to life at a relatable level and younger visitors will be suitably impressed by the array of LEGO models, while parents will experience history like never before. LEGO has been a top-selling toy for over fifty years and its use as an artistic medium gives an instant attraction to a wide range of audiences.
