City of Lights event returns to Carlisle in February
Cumbria County Council, working in partnership with Carlisle City Council, is delighted to welcome back the light and sound event ‘City of Lights’ in February.
This event follows a successful pilot event in 2020. Events were also held at Carlisle Castle and the Cathedral in 2021 and 2022.
Carlisle City of Lights will be held between Thursday 23and Saturday 25 February, inside Carlisle Cathedral, outside of The Fratry within the Cathedral grounds, in the grounds of Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, and in the grounds of Carlisle Castle.
The architectural features of Carlisle Cathedral and Carlisle Castle will be transformed by sound and light art. ‘Luxmuralis’ an artistic collaboration creates digital and artistic light and sound art installations. Viewers will be taken on an inquisitive journey through light artworks and soundscapes.
The theme of this year's art event will be 'Science', which is intended to explore and contemplate the contributions of science to our understanding of the world around us. In addition to exploring the history of science and its contributions to humanity, this event explores chemistry and biology and interprets artistically the scale of molecules, cells, and DNA.
Artist Peter Walker and composer David Harper are an artistic collaboration called ‘Luxmuralis’. Through son-et-lumiere installation and sound art pieces they transform and reinterpret the sense of place and space creatively helping members of the public to take a physical and emotional journey to identify with the subject and message of the artwork.
Time slots for the “City of Lights” event are from 6.45pm to 9.00pm each day. Tickets provide access to all the venues on the same night. Tickets cost £8.50 per adult, £7.50 per child (aged 5-16) and free for under 5s. Tickets are available from the Discover Carlisle website, and from the Carlisle Tourist Information Centre (01228 598596).
New light installations will be installed on Eden Bridge, which will be used year-round to mark key memorial dates.
The county and city councils are urging people to visit the city centre during the evenings of Thursday 23, Friday 24 and Saturday 25 February, to enjoy the illuminations as well as to support local businesses by eating or drinking at one of the many venues in Carlisle.
Cllr Cyril Weber, Chair of Cumbria County Council’s Local Committee for Carlisle, said:
“I am looking forward to this event again this year, as it brings our city to life through the various lighting installations in the city centre.
“The City of Lights event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase and celebrate our city and is a great example of the county and city councils working together in partnership.
“The adaption of the installation on Eden Bridge will be fantastic to see, allowing the city to be truly lit during some of the evenings in the half term holidays.
“We would also like to encourage people attending the City of Lights event, to make a night of it, and support the local businesses in the city centre.”
Carlisle City Cllr Stephen Higgs, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Leisure, added:
“The 2023 event will incorporate the inside of Carlisle Cathedral as well as outside the Fratry and will bring a new element to the event. We have worked hard to make this event bigger and better featuring Carlisle Cathedral, Tullie House and Carlisle Castle. Get your tickets soon!”
City of Lights is organised by the Discover Carlisle team (Carlisle City Council) and Luxmuralis in association with Cumbria County Council. It is supported by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
