Galaxies and the moon will soon fill Carlisle Cathedral in a first for the region – but tickets are being snapped up fast.

The City of Lights will host a space-themed spectacle inspired by the 1969 moon landing in the expansive halls of the cathedral for four days in February.

The Great Exhibition – SPACE: God, the Universe and Everything – will expand beyond the walls of the cathedral with other buildings and landmarks being lit up to help create an interactive space-themed walk through the city.

Councillor Stephen Higgs, Carlisle City Council’s portfolio holder for culture, heritage, and leisure, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Carlisle’s first-ever City of Lights event.

“It will celebrate and promote the city’s key landmarks, drawing visitors into the city centre.

“Carlisle has lots to be proud of and has a rich and fascinating history to explore.”

The story of creation and the universe will be told in the cathedral, which is the main part of the exhibition, through a combination of light and sound installations.

A similar event has been held further south in Lichfield Cathedral and St Albans Cathedral.

Councillor Cyril Weber, chairman of the county council’s local committee for Carlisle, said: “I am delighted to be working in partnership with Carlisle City Council and a range of local partners to bring our city to life in a new and imaginative way.”

The county and city councils have teamed up to bring the exhibition to the city.

They will be working with other local businesses including Story Contracting and the Railway Heritage Trust on the project as part of ‘Love, Cumbria’.

Mr Weber added: “The lighting installations will showcase the city and help draw people towards the high street and the variety of night-time attractions, restaurants and bars in the city centre and historic quarter.

“The exciting SPACE event at the cathedral will be a first for the city and I can’t wait to see it brought to life in such a striking way.”

By following the guided map through the town, there will be the opportunity to see The Griffin Pub, The Hallmark Hotel, Carlisle train station, and the Citadel in a whole new light.

The windows of the Old Town Hall, the Carel Cross in the market place and other buildings will also be illuminated.

Organisers say tickets for the installation are going fast.

They can be bought from Carlisle Tourist Information Centre at the Old Town Hall or online. They cost £5 for adults and £4 for children.

The event takes place between February 12 and 14.