A steam train, a giant artwork and a citywide pub quiz were some of the highlights for the hundreds of people who enjoyed the first Carlisle Weekend.
The celebration – organised by the Great Border City Business Improvement District – also gave people a chance to see Carlisle in a fresh light with a range of tours and incentives to visit local businesses.
From the giant collaborative Do the Doodle to the city-wide pub quiz, sold-out behind-the-scenes tours at West Walls Brewing Co, Carlisle United and Chapman Bags, and a share of £2,000 in vouchers to spend with local businesses, the weekend delivered on its promise to “unlock” the city and encourage people to discover something new on their doorstep.
The inaugural event brought together the University of Cumbria open day, Cumbria Pride and other events such as free entry at Tullie and padel taster sessions into one big celebration.
Julie Minns took part in the Doodle, inspired by her great-grandfather’s connection to Eden Bridges, and reflected on the unique offering of the city she represents as its MP.
She said: “That’s always my challenge to people. Tell me another city that’s got city walls, citadels, a cathedral and a castle. I don’t think there’s another city or town anywhere else in the UK that can claim that. We are unique.
“We should be absolutely proud of what we’ve got here in Carlisle.”
Zoe Leigh Gadd, one of the organisers of the Doodle, was delighted to see people making their mark on Carlisle – literally.
She said: “It’s been really fulfilling to see what all of the community of Carlisle have brought into the space.
“Some who were quite daunted by the blank space have ventured into making their mark on the walls and really developing their skills as artists at all sorts of different levels.”
Chris Beaty of Espresso Hub was among the businesses enjoying the extra custom.
He said: “We’ve got a lot of new customers coming in, grabbing a takeaway coffee with a bit of cake. It’s helped us out nicely.
“It would be nice to see it happening again.”
Also involved was the Rebuild Site where Natalie Faunch was on hand to explain to visitors that it was “about encouraging people to use what they already have, to repair what they’ve got, and learn new skills”.
Nearly 400 rail enthusiasts arrived on the Tornado steam train and were greeted by town crier Brian Pease, who welcomed them to the Great Border City and Carlisle Weekend.
Jayne Gosney, from Derby, said: “I think it’s a fabulous idea to have the town crier here. Carlisle has such lovely people and it shows that it is a welcoming city.”
BID manager Chandra Pollock said: “Carlisle Weekend was about giving people a reason to fall in love with this city all over again, and I think we’ve done that.
“Seeing residents picking up pens for the Doodle, visitors stepping off the train to a warm welcome and businesses telling us their tills have been busier is exactly what the BID set out to achieve. This was only the first one, and we can’t wait to make it bigger and better next year.”
