Great weather and the promise of some fabulous food and drink brought thousands of people to Taste Cumbria in Wigton on Saturday.
With live music, family fun and the addition of a craft market in the Market Hall, it was a great celebration in the heart of the town.
The festival was the first Taste Cumbria event of the year and saw more than 40 stalls across the outdoor and indoor locations. There was a hot food court, cocktail bar, and the ever-popular live music stage, with a picnic area where visitors relaxed in the sunshine.
Children’s entertainment was provided by Liam Moorhouse, free face painting by Carlisle’s Aura Body Art and climbing wall and fairground rides from Wilmot’s Attractions.
The Taste Cumbria food festivals are organised by Cumberland Council. Councillor Anne Quilter, the Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said: “I’m so pleased to see such a great start to this year’s Taste Cumbria season. They are fabulous events which benefit our local economy and give a great boost to some brilliant small businesses.
“Thank you to our events team who bring this all together – both Council staff and our contractors – and to the people of Wigton who support us so well. And thank you to everyone who visited and played their part in another fun foodie day.”
Taste Cumbria Wigton will be followed by Taste Cumbria Maryport on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, before the flagship Taste Cumbria festival in Cockermouth on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September. Taste Cumbria Christmas on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December, also in Cockermouth, will end the year, with plans for Taste Cumbria in Carlisle still being finalised.
Trader pitches are now available for the Producers’ Markets. Visit www.tastecumbria.co.uk and follow the link to the application forms. Priority is given to Cumbrian producers, but the organisers welcome enquiries from other areas.