The countdown has begun for Carlisle City of Lights – and here is everything you need to know about it.
Themed around science, it will feature the lighting up of the city’s key historic landmarks and a spectacular sound and light experience inside and outside Carlisle Cathedral, and also within the grounds of Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery and Carlisle Castle.
City of Lights is organised by the Discover Carlisle team, part of Carlisle City Council, and Luxmuralis in association with Cumbria County Council. It is supported by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
When is it on?
The event will be held over three evenings – Thursday February 23, Friday February 24 and Saturday February 25. Time slots are from 6.45pm to 9pm each day.
Tickets provide access to all the venues on the same night.
The event will start at Carlisle Cathedral, followed by Tullie House and then ending at Carlisle Castle with sound and light projected on to buildings.
With the support of Cumbria County Council, the event will also see key historic buildings illuminated including the Citadel and Court Square.
What is it all about?
Artist Peter Walker and composer David Harper are Luxmuralis. Through Son-et-Lumiere installation and sound art pieces they transform and reinterpret the sense of place and space creatively helping people take a physical and emotional journey to identify with the subject and message of the artwork.
Peter said: “Sound and light art will be projected onto the architectural features of Carlisle Castle and Carlisle Cathedral transforming and enveloping the space. Visitors will view individual light and sound art installations digitally and artistically created by Luxmuralis which highlight the architectural features of the space. Viewers are immersed in the soundscapes they hear and walk through the light artworks that are all around them on an explorative journey.
“The artwork Science is designed to enable people to explore and contemplate the contributions of science and human understanding of the physical world around us.
“The artwork explores chemistry and biology and interprets artistically the scale of molecules cells and DNA as well as exploring the history of science, the contributions of science to humanity, and offers a reflection upon famous scientists past and present.”
Where do I go first?
Ticket holders should arrive at the Castle Street entrance to Carlisle Cathedral at the time indicated on their ticket.
Where can I park?
Parking in Carlisle City Council car parks is free on Thursday and Friday after 6pm and free all day at weekends.
What else is going on?
To coincide with the event, Tullie House, will be hosting some amazing science shows on Saturday February 25 and Sunday February 26 to tie in with the theme of the City of Lights.
StrongWomen Science is a circus science performance and accompanying workshops for children starring two women scientists turned circus performers.
StrongWomen Aoife and Maria reveal the scientific secrets behind their astounding tricks. In a fun, lively and fast-paced circus performance, find out how jugglers, acrobats and hula hoop artists use science to create their amazing acts.
For ticket information, visit www.tulliehouse.co.uk
Can I win a prize?
Yes you can – City of Lights is taking place during Cumbria Residents Week and Cumbrian residents have the chance to win fantastic prizes.
To be in with a chance of winning simply spend £10 or more in a participating business on any day between February 20 and February 26.
Once you have made your qualifying purchase you will be provided with a code from the participating business, which you need to enter here along with your contact details, to be entered into the prize draw. https://cumbriaresidentsweek.co.uk/
How do I get a ticket for Carlisle City of Lights?
Tickets are on sale from the Carlisle Tourist Information Centre and DiscoverCarlisle.co.uk
