The event kicks off on Friday night (25 September). The Market Place Chill Out will see hot food, cold drinks and live music from Char and Somethin’ Brewin’ from 7pm to 9pm.
Then the full festival takes place from 10am on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September. The producers’ stalls will be on Main Street, the ever-popular Street Party takes place on Market Place, with even more attractions at Jennings Brewery too.
Experts including Michelin-starred chef Kevin Scanlan and his colleague Ralph Rojas from the luxurious Gilpin Hotel & Lake House at Windermere, as well as private chef Jon Fell and Cockermouth favourites Manon Plouffe and Dosa Chaska, will be on The Demo Stage. They’re joined for a steak-and-ale special by Buster Grant from Jennings and Richard Harrison from Harrison’s Butchers, and a first time demonstration by Ashleigh Hall, owner of Main Street’s Deli Station and Street Food.
There will be two music stages, in Market Place and at Jennings, plus street theatre, the hot food court, picnic areas and fairground rides. Add in a great line-up of experts cooking up some tasty dishes, a beer collaboration between Jennings and Crooked River with al fresco bars there and in Market Place, and this promises to be another great weekend.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“Cockermouth is the place to be this weekend. If you love your food and drink, or just want a wander with the family in a beautiful town, I can totally recommend a visit.
“Around 27,000 people attended Taste Cumbria in Cockermouth last year, bringing £2.1 million into the local economy. They’re the sort of figures we love to see, and why we continue to invest in making sure our high streets get the attention they deserve from locals and visitors alike.
“Not only does Taste Cumbria bring thousands of people to Cumberland to discover visiting producers, it also gives people the chance to eat, drink and shop in the local businesses. Add in some fabulous entertainment on the music stages, fun activities aimed at families, and street theatre to make everyone smile and we have a recipe for another great weekend.”
The Taste Cumbria festivals are organised by Cumberland Council and the sponsors and supporters for this event are Cockermouth Town Council, The Coffee Kitchen Bakery, Jennings Brewery, Milburns Solicitors, Rock With and Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade.
This event will be followed by Taste Christmas, back in Cockermouth, on 5 and 6 December.
Photo Credit: Tom Kay