An alternative programme of Christmas events is to go ahead in Carlisle while work on a £2 million revamp of the city centre continues.
Cumberland Council has confirmed that the annual Christmas light switch-on event and international Christmas Market will not go ahead this year due to limited space in the city centre.
The multi-million pound revamp of Market Square and Greenmarket has led the council to revise their Christmas programme and make use of different locations.
The revised events include:
- Carlisle Teenage Market in The Lanes Shopping Centre – Saturday 23 November
- The Devonshire Street Christmas party from 2pm until 5pm – Sunday November 24
- Quirky Eclectica Christmas Artisan Fair in The Fratry Hall at Carlisle Cathedral, from 10am until 4pm – Friday 29 to Saturday 30 November
- Carlisle Christmas Farmers’ Market at Carlisle Cathedral – Saturday 7 December
- Quirky Eclectica Monthly Artisan Craft Fair at Carlisle Cathedral – Saturday 21 December
- Late Night Shopping in Carlisle will take place every Thursday from 28 November until Thursday 19 December.
Carlisle’s Christmas tree will remain in the city centre, but will be placed in a slightly different location.
The city’s Christmas lights will be lit on Sunday November 17 in readiness for the Devonshire Street Christmas party the weekend after – but no official light switch-on event will take place.
Cumberland Council will also be supporting the promotion of Small Business Saturday on 30 November.
The Devonshire Street Christmas party will be this year’s main festive event and organisers have now announced the event programme.
Local community groups, schools and performers including a DJ and live bands will be performing at the event.
The first part of the party will be held between 2pm and 4pm and will include performances from Carlisle Dance Academy, Longtown Primary School, Claudia Paige, Norman Street Primary School, Kirkbride Primary School and Northern Heights.
Rock With is supporting the second part of the event which will take place between 4pm and 5pm.
DJ Emmanuel Boateng will take to the stage, followed by Antics, a four-piece indie-rock band and The Northern Threads, a former Kendal Calling headliner.
Councillor Anne Quilter, executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: “Some of this year’s Carlisle festive activities will take place in different locations within the city centre to accommodate the multi-million-pound improvements currently underway.
“So, we’ve taken the opportunity to once again showcase the amazing improvement works on Devonshire Street.
“We hope you can join us and enjoy a free afternoon of great community entertainment. Thanks to all the schools, community groups and performers who will be taking centre stage at our festive event.”
The regeneration of Market Square and Greenmarket is backed by investment from central government and aims to transform the area into an attractive destination for residents and visitors.
The project is aiming to create a unique multifunctional events space for various activities and gatherings.
All businesses remain open as usual, and the council is encouraging residents and visitors to continue supporting them.
