The final preparations are underway for Carlisle’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event on Sunday 15 November.
Thousands of lights and festive decorations are being installed across the city centre, bringing some Christmas sparkle to Scotch Street, English Street, Castle Street, Fisher Street and the Greenmarket.
Organised by Cumberland Council, the event will take place outside the Old Town Hall from 3pm to 5.30pm, with the city’s Christmas lights switched on at 5pm.
Pop sensation Una Healy, best known as a member of the multi-platinum-selling group The Saturdays, will be headlining this year’s Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On with the afternoon hosted by Britain’s Got Talent 2025 winner and magician Harry Moulding.
The Christmas Lights Switch-On event will also be a showcase of local community groups and performers including Kingmoor Nursery and Infant School Choir, Blackford and Rockcliffe Primary Schools, Kirkbride Primary School, StagedRight Productions, Express Dance Studios and local violinist Gill Wadeson Violin.
A variety of local concessions will be joining the Christmas Lights Switch-On, offering those attending plenty of choice when it comes to food, drink and festive treats. People can enjoy sweet options from Diors Candy, Cumbria Whippy Man and Mini Donut Pod, sample delicious food from HK Catering, Dusty Dogs, Foundry 34 and Hollybank Farm, while Tipsy Sips will be on hand with refreshments.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“The Christmas Lights Switch-On is always a special occasion for Carlisle and a great way to bring people together at the start of the festive season. We’re really looking forward to welcoming Una Healy and Harry Moulding, alongside the fantastic local schools, groups and performers who will be part of the celebrations.
“It promises to be a wonderful afternoon for families and visitors, and I hope lots of people will come along and enjoy everything Cumberland has to offer this Christmas.”
The Christmas Lights Switch-On is just one of a host of festive events taking place across Cumberland in the run-up to Christmas. In Carlisle, five additional Christmas-themed markets will complement the city’s regular Friday markets, taking place on 22 and 29 November and 6, 13 and 20 December. The Teenage Market will also return to Carlisle Market Hall on 21 November, showcasing young traders and performers. Elsewhere, Distington Walled Garden will host its Christmas Fete on 28 November, while Taste Cumbria returns to Cockermouth on 5 and 6 December, alongside plenty of other seasonal events and activities across Cumberland.
Small Business Saturday on 28 November will also provide another opportunity to celebrate and support Cumberland’s independent businesses. People are encouraged to shop local throughout the festive season, helping support the shops, traders, cafés, restaurants and other businesses that play an important role in the city centre.
To find out about events in your area visit www.discovercarlisle.co.uk or www.westernlakedistrict.com.