[P]reparations are underway for this weekend’s Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On (Sunday, 19 November).
The city centre 35-foot tall real Christmas tree will soon be place in readiness for the weekend event.
X Factor finalists ‘5 After Midnight’ will headline Carlisle’s Christmas Lights Switch On event.
The three-piece boyband said: “We are super excited to be in Carlisle performing we cannot wait to get up on that stage!”
The 2016 finalists will be joined by other celebrity acts, The Beatbox Collective – the reigning world beatbox champions and Taken, Dublin’s newest up and coming boyband who have recently toured the UK supporting acts including The Vamps and Union J.
Local dance groups and school choirs will join the celebrity acts at this year’s Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On. There will be a showcase of local community groups and performers – Stevie D’s Faith, The Lakes Choir – Stagecoach Performing Arts; Kira Tickner; Carlisle Dance Academy and Stanwix Primary School.
The afternoon’s entertainment will also include a ‘stars of the future’ line up, including Jack Rose; Nathan Grisdale, Joseph and Thomas Teago.
The free family event will be held between 2pm and 5.30pm on Sunday, 19 November.
Organised by Carlisle City Council, it will provide a packed family entertainment programme, to suit all ages. The star-studded Christmas Lights Switch On stage will be in place in the city centre pedestrianised area, outside the Old Town Hall.
The Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Trish Vasey will trigger a galaxy of Christmas lights in the city centre at 5pm. The Christmas Lights Switch On is part of Carlisle’s countdown to Christmas.
Cllr Anne Quilter, Portfolio holder for Culture, Heritage and Leisure, said: “Our festive programme will soon get underway and the Lights Switch-On event is the countdown to Christmas. Come along and enjoy a free afternoon of family fun.”
Visit www.discovercarlisle.co.uk for events information.