Crowds started lining up early for a much anticipated returning lights show on a windy Thursday evening in Carlisle.

The weather did not put off the crowds, who started filing in to Carlisle Cathedral Fratry courtyard ahead of the first showing of the City of Lights event at 7pm.

The show, which included a combination of lighting and sound effects to produce a story that was projected on to the side of buildings, saw Carlisle Cathedral and Carlisle Castle illuminated in bright colours.

People began to chant the final ten seconds of the count down before the first piece, titled 'life', was projected on to the side of the Fratry wall - starting a sequence of ever-changing colourful patterns, and a series of weird and wonderful faces and masks, to the backdrop of an other-worldly soundtrack.

The mind-bending sequence was designed to enable people to contemplate their own personal journeys and reflect upon life on today’s planet that occurs in a single 24-hour period.

 

Carlisle City of Light Festival 2021. The three day festival in the historic quarter of Carlisle. Son et lumière projections were beamed onto the Fratry at Carlisle Cathedral and the Keep of Carlisle Castle. Visitors followed at trail through

Carlisle City of Light Festival 2021. The three day festival in the historic quarter of Carlisle. Son et lumière projections were beamed onto the Fratry at Carlisle Cathedral and the Keep of Carlisle Castle. Visitors followed at trail through. Picture: Stuart Walker

 

Carlisle resident Andrew Butler, who was taking his daughters out to see the show said it felt "surreal" to be at an event in the city again after so many were cancelled or re-arranged due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said it was "exciting to get back out again".

On the first projection, Andrew said: "It was good. I thought it was very colourful."

Unlike last time, this years City of Lights is being held outdoors only. The event also attracted visitors from across the border. 


Angus McClarkin and his wife, Linda, had travelled from Kilwinning in North Ayrshire, Scotland to see the show. 


As the crowds started moving on through Tullie House Garden, which was also spectacularly illuminated, to the next installation, both Angus and Linda said they had found the show "good". 


Linda said: "I have liked it so far. I'm just glad the rain has held off." 

Carlisle City of Light Festival 2021. The three day festival in the historic quarter of Carlisle. Son et lumière projections were beamed onto the Fratry at Carlisle Cathedral and the Keep of Carlisle Castle. Visitors followed at trail through

Carlisle City of Light Festival 2021. The three day festival in the historic quarter of Carlisle. Son et lumière projections were beamed onto the Fratry at Carlisle Cathedral and the Keep of Carlisle Castle. Visitors followed at trail through. Picture: Stuart Walker

 

The show has been organised by the Discover Carlisle team (Carlisle City Council) and Luxmuralis in association with Cumbria County Council, Carlisle Cathedral, Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery and English Heritage.

The artwork and visual imagery are created by artist Peter Walker and sounds heard are musical pieces composed by David Harper.


Carlisle City Council's Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Leisure, Stephen Higgs, was also present at the first showing. 


He said: "It's really exciting. It's a great moment of joy that we can do something that we have wanted to do so badly and I just hope that people will come out, view it and enjoy it.


"It will be a great boost and we very much hope that it drives footfall for the hospitality industry. We hope that people will think about going to have a drink or something to eat afterwards."

The second and final show was held within the walls of Carlisle Castle.

 

Carlisle City of Light Festival 2021. The three day festival in the historic quarter of Carlisle. Son et lumière projections were beamed onto the Fratry at Carlisle Cathedral and the Keep of Carlisle Castle. Visitors followed at trail through

Carlisle City of Light Festival 2021. The three day festival in the historic quarter of Carlisle. Son et lumière projections were beamed onto the Fratry at Carlisle Cathedral and the Keep of Carlisle Castle. Visitors followed at trail through. Picture: Stuart Walker

 

Projecting on to the walls of the castle's keep, the second show is intended to be a celebration of the beauty of human life.

Children and families stared in wonder in the inner castle's courtyard as Whales, fish and birds danced along the wall of the keep - again to a backing soundtrack, which sounded more orchestral this time.

The artwork aims to allow contemplation on human existence in the creation of the planet and the impact of humans on it.

Chris Stewart was at the show with his wife, Louise; his sister in law, Amber Kenny; and kids.

He said: "It's nice to be out again. We don't do enough of [this] in the city."

Amber said: "It's nice that there is something like this to bring everyone together."

The final show ended to an applause. 


The Mayor of Carlisle, Pamela Birks, who was also present, also said that if anything, the show had been a good opportunity to bring everyone together to enjoy and experience a spectacle together again in the same space. 

 

Carlisle City of Light Festival 2021. The three day festival in the historic quarter of Carlisle. Son et lumière projections were beamed onto the Fratry at Carlisle Cathedral and the Keep of Carlisle Castle. Visitors followed at trail through

Carlisle City of Light Festival 2021. The three day festival in the historic quarter of Carlisle. Son et lumière projections were beamed onto the Fratry at Carlisle Cathedral and the Keep of Carlisle Castle. Visitors followed at trail through. Picture: Stuart Walker

 

She said: "I think it's fabulous seeing the throngs of people walking up [to the] castle with big smiles on their faces. 


"It's great to see families, young children and older people. Everybody is here and the work that has been done by the City Council and County Council to bring this together is nothing short of a miracle. 


"Light is so meaningful. Once upon a time we couldn't do anything and you would have to go to sleep as soon as it was dark.


"Now, in the twenty first century, we are using it to actually entertain us and give us amazing light shows like this."

Tickets are still available for the City of Lights show, of which tonight is the final night, from the Carlisle Tourist Information Centre and online at www.discovercarlisle.co.uk.