Parking hours extension for festive period

(Date of issue: Monday, 10 November 2008)

Carlisle City Council is gearing up for the festive season by offering extra time to park within one of its prime city centre disc zones.

To accommodate Christmas shoppers, drivers will be allowed extra time to park in the Lowther Street disc zone (behind the Civic Centre). The parking scheme will start on Monday, 17 November and will continue until Saturday, 10 January 2009.

The space behind the Civic Centre will provide two-hour parking instead of one hour. To coincide with late night shopping, free and unlimited parking will also be provided in all Carlisle City Council car parks on Thursdays from 5pm onwards. Normal restrictions apply in other disc zones around the city.

In the run up to Christmas, Carlisle’s shops will extend their hours to 9pm each Thursday over the festive period, starting from this Thursday (13 November).

The final preparations for Carlisle’s Christmas programme are well underway. The lights switch-on will be held this Sunday (16 November) and starts Carlisle's countdown to Christmas. Local singing sensation, Andrew Johnston, will be guest of honour at this year’s event. The Carlisle’s school boy soprano, shot to fame when he finished in third place on this year’s Britain’s Got Talent and will join the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Jacquelyne Geddes to trigger a galaxy of Christmas lights in the city centre at 5.30pm.

The city's decorations are in the process of being put in place and include a spectacular Christmas tree. Organised by Carlisle City Council, the city's decorations will also include illuminations around key city landmarks - including the Citadel and a traditional Nativity scene in the city centre.

Following last year's success, the Carlisle Christmas Market, held in the city centre, will be in place between Wednesday, 3 December and Sunday, 7 December. The Christmas Market will operate alongside the city’s Victorian Market Hall, who will be staging a Christmas Party on Saturday, 6 December.

A Christmas Carol Parade will also be held on Thursday, 11 December. Starting at 6.30pm from the Cathedral this popular event will wind through the city centre to be followed by a Hog Roast in the historic Tithe Barn. Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre.

Santa will be making a visit to Carlisle’s Talkin Tarn this Christmas. A Green Grotto will be open in the Alex Boathouse on Saturday 6 - Sunday 7 December, Saturday 13 - Sunday 14 December and Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 December, between 11am and 3pm each day. As well as meeting Santa and receiving a small gift, there will also be the chance for local children to post their letter to Lapland. Entry is £2.50 per child.

Lanercost Priory is hosting a ‘Magical Christmas Tree Festival’ this festive season. The ancient Augustinian Priory is set to be the perfect backdrop for a spectacular collection of creatively decorated Christmas Trees. The event will be held between 10am - 9pm on Friday 12 December and between 10am - 6pm on Saturday 13 December and Sunday 14 December. Entry is £6 per person.

Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery has a packed programme of activities this festive season. A Christmas Fun Day will be held on Saturday 13 December and will include free fun workshops, for all the family to enjoy.