A free family event packed with entertainment, activities and street performances will take place in Workington town centre on Saturday 12 September.
Running from 10am to 5pm, Cumberland Council’s Festival of Curious Things will transform Murray Road and the surrounding town centre with a mix of walkabout theatre, live music, family activities, market stalls, food vendors and fairground rides.
Visitors can come face-to-face with dinosaurs from Dinomania, as seen on Britain's Got Talent, explore the imaginative world of Steampunk Science, experience a giant panda encounter, and meet a host of unusual characters including living lampposts, stilt walkers and performers from the Office of Lost and Found Oddities.
The festival will also feature the Little Inventors activity zone, a Teenage Market showcasing young entrepreneurs and creatives, and a range of local traders and hot food vendors.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
"The Festival of Curious Things will bring an exciting and diverse programme of entertainment to Workington town centre, offering residents and visitors a unique opportunity to experience live performances, family activities and creative attractions.
"Events like this are a great way to encourage people to visit the town centre, support local traders and community organisations, and spend time together. They help showcase what Workington has to offer while creating opportunities for people of all ages to get involved and enjoy something different."
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, added:
"This is another great addition to our Cumberland events programme, and I would like to thank everyone involved in organising the event.
“It will help bring people into the heart of Workington and create a positive atmosphere for residents, visitors and local businesses alike.”
Live music will take place throughout the day, including a performance from Mr Wilson's Second Liners, the energetic brass band known for their unique take on classic hits.
Visitors can also enjoy a special Soundwave gig at the Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre on Finkle Street. Soundwave is a West Cumbria-based music charity that supports young people through music, providing opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and perform in front of live audiences. The doors open for Soundwave takeover @ The Carnegie bar at 7pm. Free tickets are available here.
To allow the event to take place safely, Murray Road and Finkle Street will be closed from 8pm on Friday 11 September until 7pm on Saturday 12 September, with parking suspended on Finkle Street during this period.
Vehicle access along Murray Road, between Workington Bus Station and the Finkle Street/Pow Street junction, will not be permitted. A signed diversion route will be in place via Oxford Street, Vulcan's Lane and Finkle Street.
To help traffic move around the closure, the existing one-way restriction on Finkle Street will be temporarily suspended, allowing two-way traffic for the duration of the event.
Access for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be maintained at all times.
The Festival of Curious Things is being organised by Cumberland Council and is funded by the Sellafield Social Impact Investment Fund (SIIF).
The Festival of Curious Things is free to attend and everyone is encouraged to come along and enjoy the day.