Carlisle is set to host a spectacular sound and light show next month, bringing the splendour of the Crown Jewels – 300 miles from their home at the Tower of London – to some of the most iconic buildings in the city.
Brought to Carlisle, with the support of Cumberland Council’s Destination Management Team, Crown and Coronation, produced by Historic Royal Palaces and Luxmuralis, will explore the history of coronations in an immersive visual show and emotive soundscape which it is planning to project on some of the country’s most famous landmarks and locations – including Carlisle Cathedral and Carlisle Castle.
Tickets are now on sale for the spectacular light and sound event, to be held between Thursday February 15 and Saturday February 17.
Crown and Coronation has been created by Historic Royal Palaces – the charity that cares for the Tower of London – in partnership with Luxmuralis – as part of an artistic collaboration between artist Peter Walker and composer David Harper.
It will bring the spectacle, significance, and shared experience of coronations to life, demonstrating the pivotal role of the Crown Jewels, part of the Royal Collection, within the ceremony.
Following a nine-day run at the iconic fortress, the show will embark on a UK-wide tour, taking the story of the Crown Jewels across the country to be enjoyed at some of the most famous landmarks and locations, including Carlisle.
Running across three nights from Thursday February 15 to Saturday February 17, the immersive sound and light installation will take place inside Carlisle Cathedral, outside of The Fratry in the cathedral grounds and within the grounds of Carlisle Castle, projected on majestic buildings some of which have stood for nearly 1,000 years.
The show will feature stunning imagery spanning across the centuries.
Visitors will journey through more than 1,000 years of history, encompassing the reigns of some of the most famous English monarchs including William the Conqueror, Elizabeth I, and Queen Victoria.
Visitors will also have the chance to marvel at detailed footage of the Crown Jewels, the objects at the very heart of the coronation ceremony, projected onto Carlisle’s historic buildings.
There will be time slots between 6.30pm and 9pm each day.
Charles Farris, public historian for the history of the monarchy at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “The Crown Jewels hold deep religious, historic, and cultural significance, and we are really excited to be bringing this magnificent collection to people around the UK following a historic coronation year.
“Crown and Coronation will immerse visitors in the rich history of the British monarchy, coronations, and the Crown Jewels.”
Peter Walker, sculptor and artist at Luxmuralis, said: “We are delighted to be working with Historic Royal Palaces and Cumberland Council on this spectacular light show, which will transform some of the UK’s most remarkable buildings into an articulating and evolving display of historic images, awash with light and accompanied by compositions which chart changes to music over the period.”
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: “Following the success of Carlisle City of Lights, more areas within Cumberland will form part of a series of events called The Light District.
“We are delighted to welcome the Historic Royal Palaces and Luxmuralis event to Carlisle as the first event within this new programme. This is a real coup for the city as, so far, it is the northernmost venue announced to host the light and sound spectacular.
“Tickets are now on sale. Get yours soon to avoid disappointment.”
Tickets are £8.50 per adult, £7.50 per child (aged five to 16) and free for under-fives. Tickets are available from www.skiddle.com or direct from Carlisle Tourist Information Centre on 01228 598596.
The Light District is a new Cumberland Council programme of events.
The council’s Destination Management Team, supported by funding from the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is working in partnership with Luxmuralis and Historic Royal Palaces to showcase Crown and Coronation in Carlisle.
The event is also organised with the support of Carlisle Cathedral and English Heritage. The Light District builds on the success of Carlisle City of Lights and Workington Hall Lights which have both been hugely popular over recent years.
