Taste Cumbria Christmas Returns To Cockermouth With Festive Food, Music And Family Entertainment
Cockermouth will welcome visitors for a festive celebration of Cumbrian food, independent businesses and family entertainment when Taste Cumbria Christmas returns in December.
The two-day event will take place on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, bringing seasonal activities and local producers into the heart of the town. Main Street and Market Place will host food and drink stalls, offering visitors an opportunity to discover regional specialities and shop for Christmas gifts.
The festival will feature a variety of independent food and drink producers from across Cumbria. Visitors can expect seasonal treats, handmade products, locally produced food and gifts, alongside a hot food court where people can enjoy freshly prepared dishes.
Live music will add to the festive atmosphere, with performances taking place throughout the weekend. Street theatre, fairground rides and children's activities will provide entertainment for families, while Santa's Grotto will give younger visitors an opportunity to meet Father Christmas.
The event is designed to offer more than a traditional food market. Visitors will also be encouraged to explore Cockermouth's independent shops and businesses, many of which will be taking part in the festive weekend. The town's Christmas lights and seasonal decorations are expected to provide an additional attraction.
The main festival is free to attend, making it accessible to residents and visitors looking for an affordable festive day out. However, several additional events taking place around the weekend will require separate tickets.
One of the highlights will be an author question-and-answer session featuring bestselling crime writer M.W. Craven. The event, titled A Pint with M.W. Craven, will take place at Jennings Brewery on Friday, December 4, with broadcaster Val Armstrong hosting the discussion and book signing.
Craven is well known for his Washington Poe crime novels, which are set in Cumbria and have attracted an international readership. The event will give audiences an opportunity to hear about his writing and career, with books available for purchase and signing.
Food enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to attend the Taste Cumbria Christmas Supper Club on Saturday, December 5. The special dining event will take place at Low Hall The Lakes, where chef Ash O'Neill of Penrith's Favilla by Smoke & Steel will prepare a five-course menu featuring cooking over live fire.
The supper club will showcase locally sourced ingredients and a range of seasonal dishes. The menu is expected to include pork belly, Cumbrian halloumi, smoked trout and charred venison, offering guests a distinctive dining experience in a festive setting. Tickets are priced at £65 per person, including a welcome cocktail.
Comedy fans will have another evening event to enjoy at The Maltings, Jennings Brewery, on Saturday, December 5. The comedy night will be hosted by Kate Smurthwaite, with performers Jacob Nussey, Eden Voss and headline act Eddy Brimson completing the line-up. Tickets cost £12.50 per person, with the show scheduled to begin at 7pm.
The festival is organised by Cumberland Council and supported by Cockermouth Town Council, Jennings Brewery, Milburns Solicitors, The Coffee Kitchen Bakery and Rock With. The partnership aims to promote local food businesses, attract visitors and support the town's independent retail and hospitality sectors.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council's executive member for vibrant and healthy places, has highlighted the importance of the Taste Cumbria programme in bringing entertainment and economic opportunities to local towns. The Christmas festival is intended to encourage visitors to spend time in Cockermouth while supporting businesses during an important trading period.
For local traders, the event provides an opportunity to showcase products to residents and visitors ahead of Christmas. Food producers, independent retailers and hospitality businesses can benefit from increased footfall, while the wider programme encourages people to explore more of what the town has to offer.
Visitors planning to attend can enjoy the main festival without purchasing tickets, while those interested in the author event, comedy night or supper club should make separate arrangements. Further information about the programme and ticket bookings is available at www.tastecumbria.co.uk/taste-cumbria-christmas.
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