Firstly I would like to thank you for the interest you, and others, have shown in our community events programme. We appreciate your enthusiasm and welcome your suggestions. High profile events such as the Olympic Torch Relay and the Tour of Britain, alongside the Fireshow and the Christmas Lights Switch On demonstrate the benefits of involving local communities directly in our events programme. They brought people together in a series of celebrations and, in some cases, showcased our city to a global audience. We want to build on the success of these events and work alongside community groups on future initiatives. This includes a Carlisle Pageant on Saturday, 17 August. The pageant will celebrate Carlisle’s ‘history and heritage’ and will link in with the ancient proclamation of the Great Fair, a week later (Saturday, 24 August). The Proclamation is a declaration of the City Council’s rights to hold an annual Fair in August, originally granted to the citizens of Carlisle in 1352 by Edward III. Between the two dates, we want to work with tourism providers and businesses to promote Carlisle and all the history the city has to offer. Some of your suggestions – make it a free event; involve local businesses and key historic sites - will all be explored as part of the planned Carlisle Pageant. It is unlikely that the ‘traditional float parade through the city’ will be replicated this year; however a community parade is a key part of the Carlisle Pageant. This will include music and lots of free, family friendly, fun. Plans for the pageant are well underway and we hope that we can join us and help us celebrate Carlisle and its rich heritage. Yours sincerely K Gerrard Director of Community Engagement