THE countdown to the beginning of a popular lights show in the heart of Carlisle is finally at an end.

The city’s castle and cathedral are among the buildings that will be transformed this week as part of the City of Lights illumination experience.

The buildings will provide a backdrop for the immersive sound and light experience which will be projected onto their historic external facades.

Audiences will also witness two Son-et-Lumiere shows by award winning artistic collaboration Luxmuralis.

The display on the walls of Carlisle Castle, which dates back more than 900 years, is a celebration of the beauty of human life and creativity.

The show at Carlisle Cathedral – entitled Life – takes viewers on a journey from sunrise to sunset to display the beauty of Earth.

Carlisle City Council’s portfolio holder for culture, heritage and leisure, Councillor Stephen Higgs, said: “The inaugural City of Lights event in 2020 was a huge success with tickets completely selling out.

“We have worked hard to make this event bigger and better featuring both Carlisle Cathedral and Carlisle Castle.”

The artwork and visual imagery are created by artist Peter Walker, who has interpreted collections from the Natural History Museum Oxford and the William Morris Museum, depicting nature and artistically highlighting core issues in the subject of life on Earth.

Sounds heard are musical pieces composed by David Harper, who has used within his works recorded anthropological soundtracks from collections of the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.

Peter said: “After the past 18 months and everything that we have collectively been through, I hope that Life will bring colour, and joy to the city over the City of Lights festival.”

Gardens at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery will also be illuminated as part of the event.

The show runs from tonight until Saturday.

Tickets are still available from the Carlisle Tourist Information Centre and online at www.discovercarlisle.co.uk.