School children in Carlisle will enjoy their annual helping of Christmas cheer despite missing out on a trip to the city’s pantomime – thanks to Cockermouth’s Kirkgate Centre!

This year’s panto at the Sands Centre had to be cancelled after the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the roof of the venue’s events space.

However, the Kirkgate has stepped in and offered an exclusive screening of the Christmas favourite Elf to children from Carlisle’s Brook Street Primary School.

Kirkgate General Manager Emma Heys said: “Brook Street staff normally take the pupils to the panto at the Sands but, due to its events space being closed while they deal with the RAAC situation, they were looking for another festive option.

“We were happy to step in and offer a solution. We can offer a private hire for a festive film screening. The pupils will come by bus from school and watch Elf on our big screen.

“We’re delighted to help out and we hope it will be a treat for both the pupils and staff!”

Brook Street Headteacher Jonathan Bursnall said: “Once again, the Kirkgate saves Christmas. They came to the rescue during Covid and they have done it again.

“I thought that RAAC was going to be the Grinch that stole Christmas for Key Stage One but we were delighted when we found out we could visit the Kirkgate again and enjoy a festive film in a fantastic setting. Thanks Kirkgate.”

Emma said the offer had been extended more widely and others were taking up the invitation.

If any other schools would like to follow suit and enjoy a private screening for their children, they’re asked to contact katie@thekirkgate.com or ring 01900 829966.