A pivotal moment in history will be marked by some inspirational women – as you’ve never seen them before.

The March for the Unsung Woman tomorrow is the theme for this year’s Carlisle Puppet Parade.

And it will see the contribution of key characters from the area’s history celebrated in a way they probably never imagined.

Carlisle poet and songwriter Susanna Blamire, the city’s first female police officer Mabel Farrer, painter Sheila Fell and former Appleby Castle owner Lady Anne Clifford are among the figures who will feature in the pageant parade.

Each have been recreated as life-size giant puppets in an artistic project that has brought people of all ages together.

The theme for this year’s parade, produced by Prism Arts for Carlisle City Council, coincides with the 100th anniversary of The People’s Act, when some women won the right to vote.

Those involved in choreographing the event and creating the puppets can’t wait to parade through the city centre tomorrow. The event is one of the most eagerly anticipated among the 100 shows taking part in this year’s 10-day Carlisle Fringe festival, numbers of visitors to which have exceeded expectations.

Anne Quilter, the city councillor responsible for culture, heritage and leisure, said: “I’d like to thank Prism Arts, all the volunteers, schools, community groups and youth groups that have helped create this year’s wonderful puppets. It’s set to be another great community event, which celebrates Cumbrian women. Please come along and support all those taking part in the parade.”

The parade will begin in Rickergate at 2pm, making its way up Scotch Street towards the city centre and Old Town Hall.

The wider Fringe festival, meanwhile, runs until Sunday.

It has been met with acclaim since its launch a week ago, with events ranging from theatre productions to live music in the city centre, performances at Carlisle Cathedral and a disco for tots.

Director Graham Main said: “It’s been brilliant. We’ve had a great response from everyone – the public, the artistic community but also from city leaders who really taking notice, which is a good position.”

Looking forward to tomorrow’s pageant, he added: “Prism Arts really are very skilled and part of the heritage of the city, so it’s great to be able to support them.

“I’m looking forward to ending the festival with a big community project.”

On Saturday, Prism Arts put on a one-time only performance of Until the Cow Comes Home .

It was based on the real-life story of a cow swept away by the 2015 flood waters, which miraculously survived.

It followed Clarissa the Cow on her journey down the river, in a unique and witty piece of outdoor theatre – and was again produced by Prism Arts.

Artistic director Ali McCaw was pleased with how it went and said: “I think it is up there with one of our best ones, especially when you think a lot of them have never performed before.”

The performers taking part have also been pleased.

Carlisle singer-songwriter Dan Mason performed solo and as part of the band mylittlebrother over the bank holiday weekend.

He said: “It’s great – nice to have live music in Carlisle city centre again,” he said as he took to the stage.

“It was nice on Sunday and we had a really good crowd. A lot of people came down and were singing along. There was a really good atmosphere.”

City theatre director Lexie Ward earned critical praise with her play We Know Now Snowmen Exist , performed at the Old Fire Station – providing a showcase for local talent on stage and behind the scenes.

She said of her five-strong cast: “I knew they’d be excellent. They’ve really become their characters, and achieved something really difficult in making the audience care for the characters.”

Graham was among the audience on Wednesday night and admitted that one of the most pleasing parts of the festival had been to give local talent platforms from which to develop ideas and show what they can do.

On the play, he said: “The audience was captivated by every word this all-female cast was saying. I am sure that show is going to tour and that’s going to tell people about Carlisle.

“It’s really humbling to see that and it’s really what the fringe is all about.”

For more information on the events still to take place, go to www.carlislefringe.co.uk.