Which artist would you like to play Carlisle?

On Saturday it was Paloma Faith with her 'Age of Optimism' show, and then on Sunday, the legend that is Tom Jones was surrounded by crowds as he delivered his 'Surrounded by Time' set.

Faith, 41, was in Carlisle for the first time. "I tend to make sure that every gig is different," she told the News & Star. "I change the setlist every day."

81-year-old Tom Jones, meanwhile, the legendary voice himself, was supported by country band The Shires for a show that was delayed by the Covid pandemic.

Jones was described as 'absolutely amazing' by one punter. "He's still got it... what a legend!" they said.

It's great to see artists playing live again, and especially good to see them come to Carlisle. But in a perfect world, who would be the next artist to perform in our city?

We asked our readers on social media, here are some of the top suggestions...

Kate Bush performing back in the day

1. Kate Bush. It would be brilliant, wouldn't it? Especially with her having a bit of a cultural 'moment'; a new generation of fans appears to have discovered her music after her song 'Running Up That Hill' was used in the most recent series of Netflix's smash hit Stranger Things. Even though Kate's live performances over her career have been few and far between, we can still dream (of Orgonon...)

File picture of rockstar Axl Rose in full flow...

2. Guns n' Roses. The glam rockers are touring at the moment, with the original classic line up including front man Axl Rose and axeman Slash. But they had to cancel their Glasgow gig earlier this month 'due to illness and medical advice' - with plans to reschedule. When they return to Glasgow, it wouldn't be too much hassle just to pop down the M74 and slip another quick show in here... would it?

The handsome quartet that is Westlife

3. Westlife. The readers want what the readers want. A number of people mentioned this Irish boyband among their dream bookings. They are actually touring at the moment, but unfortunately Glasgow, Newcastle and Manchester are as close as they're getting.

The Boss is touring next year - catch him if you can!

4. Bruce Springsteen. The Boss made a surprise onstage appearance during Paul McCartney's barnstorming Glastonbury headline set last month, and he himself is still very active, releasing new music and touring the globe. Famous for his lengthy sets, the amazing storytelling of his lyrics and the brilliance of the E Street Band, Bruce is touring in 2023. Edinburgh, Birmingham and London are among the live dates - that may be as close as he comes.

Northern lad Sam Fender would be most welcome in Carlisle, according to our readers

5. Sam Fender. A popular choice among readers. The young Geordie indie rocker is flying high at the moment, with all sorts of plaudits under his belt and a third album in the works to follow 2019's Hypersonic Missiles and 2021's Seventeen Going Under. When the album tour comes along, and following the more established acts above, it would be brilliant to see a, shall we say, younger act come to town!