The final Taste Cumbria event of 2025 saw thousands of people brave some typical Cumbrian weather for a festival full of smiles and good cheer.
With dozens of producers’ stalls, loads of family entertainment, some live music and even a visit from Santa, this was a weekend packed with as many treats as any Christmas stocking. Add in a Michelin-starred Supper Club with The Cottage in the Wood at Low Hall the Lakes, and a Comedy Night at Jennings Brewery, and there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Even two days of rain didn’t deter the crowds of visitors as they ate, drank, shopped and explored Cockermouth’s independent businesses too. Cockermouth Pilates Studio played host to Santa’s Grotto, while Cockermouth Kitchen Company was the destination for the expert demonstrations. From beer tips to what to do with the festive leftovers, there was loads to learn and plenty to sample.
Cockermouth’s shops and restaurants helped get the town into the festive spirit too. They lit their doorways with lanterns to complement the beautiful Christmas lights, and some even offered their own refreshments and special offers to bring even more sparkle to the event.
There was also an art and craft fair in the United Reformed Church on Main Street, while Market Place Print Studio hosted drop-in sessions to make pretty Christmas gifts, and the Kirkgate Arts centre held a world food event.
Taste Cumbria is now famed as the county’s biggest and best food festival. The events, now also held in Carlisle, Maryport and Wigton, bring millions of pounds into the local economy each year.
The festivals are organised by Cumberland Council. Councillor Anne Quilter, Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said: “Thank you to everyone who braved some pretty damp weather to come to Taste Cumbria Christmas. Thank you in particular to the events team who work so hard to make these festivals a success, to our great sponsors and supporters, and to the amazing traders and performers who come and join the fun. We couldn’t do this without all of them.
“Taste Cumbria was born out of the 2009 floods in Cockermouth and, on the 10th anniversary of Storm Desmond, it is fitting to see how Cumbrians pull together to make the best of every situation. Now we’re looking forward to even more great events in 2026.”
The Taste Cumbria Christmas festival is sponsored by Cockermouth Town Council, The Coffee Kitchen Bakery and Milburns Solicitors, and supported by RockWith and Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade.
The 2026 Taste Cumbria dates will be announced in the new year on www.tastecumbria.co.uk