Shopper chic in Carlisle 1 of 6 Photos Style gurus were out in force bringing a burst of fashion colour to The Lanes shopping centre.

Local models cut a dash in the best of garden party brights, floral frocks and maxi dresses.

Stylists from Toni & Guy demonstrated the latest hair trends to the crowds at the Central Square.

Clarins consultants from Debenhams were also on hand to show passers-by how to work the hit makeup styles for the season.

It was a riot of colour as fashion experts from Debenhams, Monsoon and Coast at Debenhams gave tips on how to be the belle of the garden party.

Laura Ashley model Lizzie Stuart, from Hayton, near Brampton, was among the Cumbrian girls modelling at Thursday’s event.

The 19-year-old was fresh from a London shoot.

The style showcase came ahead of the Royal Garden Party event set to bring the best of British to the city centre on Friday and Saturday.

Janet Murray, marketing manager for The Lanes, said: “It was a great pre-launch for the garden party next weekend.

“We had a lot of people gathering at the demonstrations, the sun was shining which really put people in the mood. It really added to the ambience.”

When Prince William and Kate Middleton marry, all eyes will be on the ceremony in the country’s capital.

But Carlisle will have its very own slice of the excitement and romance of the couple’s big day in the city centre.

The Royal Garden Party is being sponsored by Finesse, Carlisle City Council, our sister paper The Cumberland News, cnevents, Lloyd Motor Group, Hoopers and The Lanes.

The party will see Carlisle’s traditional Spring Show move into the city centre, with the event transformed to offer something for all the family.

A key feature will be a giant video screen, at the side of the Old Town Hall, broadcasting live pictures of the royal wedding.

Marquees will offer demonstrations by florists and horticultural experts.

Mingling with the crowds will be classic British characters – including beefeaters, characters from Alice in Wonderland, and a Charlie Chaplin lookalike.

There will be two life-size cut-outs of the royal couple in the city centre for everyone to have their photo taken with, giving all a chance to strike a royal pose.

Entertainment will have a great British rock ’n’ roll flavour on Saturday with live music by Beatlemania, who have played for Madonna, the Beckhams, and Richard Branson. For those who prefer their music classical, a string quartet will also be on hand to play for the crowds.

Lovers of quality foods and gifts will have a right royal treat with stalls aplenty including a marquee packed with traders from Made in Cumbria.

It will be all aboard the history bus too, with green London double decker bus conducting historical tours of the city at 11am and 2.30pm.

First published at 08:57, Saturday, 23 April 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk