A new venue focusing on live acts, concerts, headline DJs, and sporting events is coming to Carlisle. 

Box Arena is currently in the process of refurbishing its new premises in the city centre ahead of a launch event on Saturday, October 28. 

Located at 7 Portland Place, Box Arena will pick up the mantle left by The Venue, the popular live event, performance, and conference venue that was forced to close after a 'dispute with commercial property agents' in June. 

The opening night will be hosted by the 'Under no Illusion' record label, with performances from SecondCity, Murphy's Law, Ki Creighton, Beth, and Jesse Santos. 

SecondCity's latest single, I Wanna Feel, has over 100 million plays on Spotify, which demonstrates the standing of artists Box Arena is looking to attract.

Box Arena Carlisle will be looking to emulate the success of the Copper Box Arena in London, which has proven to be extremely popular since being built for the 2012 Olympics.

The multifunctional indoor events arena will work alongside local and national promoters such as Bingo Revolution, Loco Events, Under No Illusion, IM Events, Sound Box, and ATA Promotions. 

There is currently a full refurbishment taking place including adding bars and a full overhaul on stage lighting, sound, and performance space.

Box Arena is looking at bookings for high-profile bands, comedy nights, celebrity speaker evenings, and boxing/wrestling/cage fighting events, while the premises will also have availability in certain areas for private hire and corporate events.

More details will be announced on Box Arena's social media in the build-up to the opening night, and the new venue is sure to help bolster Carlisle's live music and events scene.