A community interest company that has set its sights on turning Carlisle into an artistic hub has been shortlisted for a prestigious rural business award.

Whistling Crew Productions CIC in Carlisle has been shortlisted in the Best Rural Social Enterprise, Charity or Community Project category at the 2021/2022 Rural Business Awards, held in partnership with Amazon.

Whistling Crew Productions CIC will battle it out against fellow rural businesses, entrepreneurs and enterprises from across the region for a place at the national final.

The community interest company recently opened their new studio space on Blackfriars Street in Carlisle, with the aim of offering aspiring artists in the area a space to operate in.

Co-founder of Whistling Crew CIC, Katharine Simmons, said: "We are overwhelmingly grateful and humbled to be shortlisted alongside some fantastic companies and programmes.

"We have our fingers crossed, but we are happy to have even been considered."

The regional final will be held virtually on Friday 1st October 2021, with the National Final taking place early next year.

The company’s services also include theatre production management and commissioning, and workshop hosting.

They are already set up to host a Chakra class session on Saturday July 10, and a Gong bath with Northern Vibrations on July 18.

Whistling Crew are also preparing to host their first production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, which is taking place on August 19 until August 28.

For more information, visit https://www.whistlingcrew.co.uk/.