Carlisle's Historic Quarter is awash with creativity as more than 60 works of art take over businesses and offices following a successful launch earlier this week. 

The annual Historic Quarter Arts Festival is underway in the city with its biggest event to date, inviting residents and tourists to explore the artwork which is themed around 'Carlisle's living history'.

Amateur and professional artists alike have submitted work in a range of different medias including painting, photography, sculpture, and even a hand-painted fairground sign. 

Georgina Harland, event organiser, said: "It was fantastic to see over 60 people at the launch party for this year's festival.

"Local artists were thrilled to see their work displayed in this amazing collection of work from the talented people of Carlisle and we can't wait for all our visitors to see it too."

One artist, Gregory Coburn, took the brief literally by producing a portrait of his 82-year-old neighbour Derek Gaughy who has lived through some of the city's historic moments - such as General Montgomery travelling up Botchergate in an open-top car to thank troops at the end of World War II. 

Pupils from local schools such as Inglewood Infant and Nursery School, Trinity School, Stanwix Primary School, and Kingmoor Junior School have also created their own artwork for the exhibition.

The pieces can be viewed in the windows of businesses dotted around the Historic Quarter and maps are available from Intro PR on Paternoster Row.

Malcolm Wilson, of Blackbox Architects, is chair of the festival judging panel. He said: “This festival is a fantastic opportunity for the artistic community of Carlisle to show what they can do and is a great way of celebrating the talent that we have in our city.”

As well as being able to follow the trail, there will be free activities throughout the festival which includes guided walks, writing workshops, storytelling and a children's art workshop drop-in. 

You can vote for your favourite artwork in the ‘People’s Choice Award’ by completing a form at the shop at Intro PR.

The festival will run until August 18 and is open daily from 11am to 4pm.

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