The Haydock Centre in Penrith played host to a special screening of the film Open Bethlehem, which offers a unique perspective on the world's original Christmas Town.

The event attracted a crowd of roughly 30 attendees, assembled to gain insights from the film and discuss its harrowing depiction of the harrowing realities faced by Christians and Muslims residing in the town.

The event was facilitated by members of the Palestine Solidarity Group Carlisle & District. 

Eden local, Brian Mein discussed his experience of the region's conditions, recalling firsthand accounts of segregated roads and occupation.

Fiona Goldie, of the group, said: "The issues do not only affect Bethlehem, but the whole of Palestine, and particularly in Gaza, which is experiencing unprecedented isolation and assault right now.

"An analogy was made between the Gaza Strip and Cumbria.

"The enclave is the same length as the distance between Allonby and St Bees and houses a population the same as that of Cumbria and Lancashire combined- that population being forced into smaller and smaller areas and with dwindling resources," she said. 

The gathering raised £115 for the Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). 

The funds are a small portion of the over £2000 generated by the solidarity group, which has been conducting fundraising activities at weekly vigils in Carlisle city centre and a recent musical fundraiser at the Brickyard.

A petition initiated by the group a month ago, demanding an immediate end to the ongoing total siege of Gaza and release of all hostages, achieved 562 signatures and has been dispatched to local MPs.

The group will continue a regular presence in Carlisle city Centre from 1 - 2pm every Saturday.