Carlisle Castle lights up for Christmas

The city of Carlisle and its iconic castle is preparing to welcome the festive season in style. 

This month (November 2007) the imposing fortress will be elegantly highlighted by a dynamic and contemporary lighting scheme.  The illumination of the castle will form a dramatic element of Carlisle – The Christmas City, organised by Carlisle City Council and sponsored by Story Homes, which will ensure that the historic Cumbrian city is a true visual treat for residents and visitors alike this winter.

The lighting scheme has been designed to highlight and emphasise the dramatic outline of the fortress set against the winter skyline.  The keep will be awash with changing colour combinations whilst the curtain wall will be lit up with a constant crimson glow.  The castle scheme will provide a complementary visual to the other Carlisle landmarks including the Citadel, the impressive oval towers that dominate the southern entrance to the City, which will also be illuminated and has been joint funded by Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council.

Richard Polley, English Heritage’s Head of Visitor Operations for Cumbria said:  “We are delighted that the castle, such an important part of the city’s history, will play an integral role in the celebrations in Carlisle this Christmas.  We received an extremely positive reaction to the illumination of the castle from the public last year and hope it will be similarly welcomed this year.”

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Councillor Michael Mitchelson said: “Following the success of this initiative last year, we are pleased to be working with English Heritage and Cumbria County Council once again on this dramatic lighting scheme. The Citadel and Castle are an intrinsic part of Carlisle’s identity, and provide a spectacular gateway to the City.”

The city’s Christmas Lights will be switched on at dusk on 18 November.

The impressive lighting scheme isn’t the only reason to visit Carlisle Castle this Christmas.  Other festive activities taking place at Carlisle Castle in December include Victorian Lantern Tours.  These family themed tours of the castle will take place between Christmas and New Year (27 to 30 December) and will allow the visit to explore the 900 year old fortress and discover more about its turbulent and bloody history.  Pre-booking advisable, please call 01228 591922 to reserve a place.

For further press information, please call Helen Bowman, English Heritage Corporate Communications, 0207 973 3294 or
helen.bowman@english-heritage.org.uk

For press enquiries on Carlisle – The Christmas City, contact Sarah Irving, Press Officer, Carlisle City Council, on 01228 817150 or
sarahi@carlisle.gov.uk