Carlisle's Old Fire Station is basking in the glory of its most successful year to date, having attracted 37,230 visitors across 149 shows in 2023.

The venue's managing director, Carlisle's Will Morgan, expressed delight with the previous year and has outlined plans for an even more ambitious year ahead. 

"It's the busiest year the Old Fire Station has ever had," he said. 

"When people are feeling a financial pinch, for us, a lot of people still want to go out and socialise not only because you need it for your well-being but I think nowadays socialising has changed.

"People go out and want to know they will have as good a night as they can have, for the money they will spend - as opposed to just going pub to pub. 

"It's also the bigger names we're bringing to the city. Previously, people would be travelling to Manchester or Glasgow to see some of the people that you can now come and see in Carlisle," Will said.

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The impact of the Old Fire Station extends beyond its four walls, contributing significantly to Carlisle's local economy.

"20 per cent of our customer base is from further afield. That money is generated in other bars, restaurants, hotels, taxis and all that sort of thing when people visit. 

"When we did the last summary, it was about £3m had been generated in incremental income for the economy on the back of our shows.

"It's great to be able to help all other businesses in the area as well as feel like you're making a difference in people's lives," he said. 

A recent sold-out gig featuring a band from Stornoway exemplifies the venue's national draw, with attendees traveling from the highlands and islands leaving 'no hotel rooms left in the city that night'.  

Looking ahead to 2024, the Old Fire Station has so far 109 events lined up, aiming to host 200 and draw close to 50,000 attendees.

This year, the venue will be host to Trevor Nelson, Neville Staple from The Specials and Jo Caufield to name a small few. 

To view the full listings, visit www.ofscarlisle.co.uk/whatson.html