By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 15:48, Friday, 22 October 2010

Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton will flick the switch to light up Carlisle and mark the countdown to Christmas next month.

Helen Skelton

Action girl Helen, of Kirkby Thore, near Penrith, will join the Mayor of Carlisle, Mary Styth, and other guests at the annual switch-on on Sunday, November 21.

The entertainment, organised by Carlisle City Council and Carlisle Leisure Limited, will feature a mass sing-a-long to the hit musical Glee.

The fun will start at 3pm when the stage comes alive with entertainment compered by CFM DJ Robbie Dee and Jonathan Higgins, events manager at the Sands Centre.

The Razamataz Theatre School will perform some festive numbers followed by students from the University of Cumbria.

Then a mass Glee-a-thon will take place in the city centre with lyrics displayed on a giant Stobart screen.

There will also be entertainment from three of Carlisle’s most popular groups – Stevie D’s Faith, Promo Girl and Roberts and Ashcroft, who are the resident cabaret act at the city’s Outrageous bar.

Just before the lights are switched on, Shaun Smith, star of Britain’s Got Talent will perform, then after the lights go on, X Factor finalist Lloyd Daniels will woo the crowds in the show’s finale.

Helen, who will flick the switch at 5.30pm, said: “I can’t wait to come to Carlisle and help light up the city for Christmas. It’s going to be an awesome day.”

Mike Mitchelson, leader of Carlisle City Council, said: “The lights switch-on will mark the start of our festivities. There will be a packed programme of family entertainment, something to suit all tastes and the sparkling event will be a fitting start to our countdown to Christmas. “Our overall Christmas programme includes a wide range of activities which we hope will enthuse residents and visitors and help support businesses and boost the local economy during the festive period.”

As part of the event, messages and dedications will be read out by the presenters. Requests can be texted to 07593 434445. This number is now live and available to use.

n Community groups in Carlisle are being given the chance to shine in a new Starlight Lantern Procession.

The event, set to be one of the highlights of Carlisle’s festive programme, takes place on Thursday, December 9, leaving from the castle at 6.15pm and heading into the city centre.

The procession will be led by three wise men on camels and a Christmas carnival band. Street entertainment, including a steel band and a Christmas carol sing-a-long, will then continue in the city centre and will finish at about 7.30pm.

It is hoped that there will be up to 300 lanterns in the procession and community groups are being given the opportunity to make their own and bring them along on the night.

A series of lantern-making workshops has been arranged by Carlisle City Council to help groups, families and individuals join in and take part.

Two workshops will be held for group leaders, who will then be able to go back to their groups and teach others how the job is done.

These will take place in Harraby Community Centre, Edgehill Road, tomorrow from 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

All materials for the lanterns will be provided and there will be a charge for the tuition, which will be led by Chrysalis Arts.

Anyone wishing to take part should bring along a pair of pliers and a pair of scissors.

To book a place on one of the sessions, call 01228 817359 or email gillb@carlisle.gov.uk

First published at 14:19, Friday, 22 October 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk