A packed programme of events is planned in the Cumberland area this month, including this Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
Cllr Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Portfolio holder for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“There is lots to see and do within the Cumberland area and a packed programme of events is lined up for 2023. There are still a few events to announce, but we are committed to providing a comprehensive events programme that showcases our region, attracts visitors and brings our communities together.”
During April, family friendly events are planned in a variety of locations and include:
Carlisle International Market (Thursday 6 - Monday 10 April)
Organised by Market Place Europe, the event will be held outside the Old Town Hall in Carlisle.
Shoppers will be spoilt for choice with a huge mix of authentic continental treats in the city centre. Stalls will be open between:
- Thursday 6 April: 9am - 6pm.
- Friday 7 April: 9am - 6pm.
- Saturday 8 April: 9am - 6pm.
- Sunday 9 April: 10am - 5pm.
- Bank Holiday Monday: 10am - 5pm.
More than 40 traders will be taking part bringing an array of global treats to the City Centre from unique arts and crafts, fine foods and delis to some amazing mouth-watering street foods.
For food lovers, there will be a tempting selection of continental and international flavours to sample. On offer will be Greek gyros, Chinese, Crepes, exotic burgers and salt and pepper chicken to name but a few, and for those wanting to take the flavours of the world home with them there will be a great selection of fresh foods including olives, cheeses, salami and handmade breads and cakes baked fresh on site.
Also, browse some of the great craft stalls including handmade jewellery, Fairtrade wooden furniture and carvings, and of course the famous Dutch Flowers on Tour selling a huge array of shrubs, bulbs, beautiful plants and trees with some great garden ornaments.
When you’re all shopped out you can relax and unwind in a Continental Street Bar with a variety of Continental beers and wine.
Find out more about events in Carlisle at www.discovercarlisle.co.uk
Easter Fun at Muncaster (Friday 7 - Monday April)
Join in the fun at Muncaster Castle for egg hunts, spring trails, delicious food and puzzles this Easter!
The Big Muncaster Egg Hunt will take place on the Front Lawns at 2.45pm each day.
Protect the Egg Workshop: Problem Solving craft activity to design and make a protective shield for your egg. These will be put to the test in the Big Egg Drop from the castle roof!
There is a small charge for the Egg Hunt and Protect the Egg workshop. Places may be available on the day. Find out more at www.muncaster.co.uk/events
Taste Cumbria Wigton (Saturday 22 April)
Taste Cumbria promises to be another great celebration of the county’s best food and drink.
There will be everything that regular visitors expect, from a producers’ market and hot food court to chef and expert demonstrations, as well as live music, lots of family fun, and a young entrepreneurs’ market with free stalls for those who are just starting out.
And there is more to the showcase, which takes place on Saturday 22 April, than just food.
Children’s attractions will include street art and circus skills workshops, along with foodie crafts, and, new for 2023, Taste Cumbria in Wigton will host a comedy night for the first time. These events have proved so popular at the festivals in Cockermouth and Maryport that they sell out every year.
The comedy night will be held on Friday 21 April in the Market Hall. MC for the evening will be Cumbrian comic Mike Wilkinson who has supported TV greats such as Jason Manford, Jonny Vegas, Ross Noble and Peter Kay. He will host a top class night of comedy with rising star Harry Stachini whose skilful storytelling shows skill beyond his years.
Closing the evening is circuit veteran and all round mirth machine, Silky. Mixing hilarious stories with the occasional musical interlude, Silky has been hailed by comedy superstars such as John Bishop as ‘a very, very funny fella’.
Tickets for the comedy night are on sale now. Search ‘Taste Comedy Wigton’ at www.eventbrite.co.uk
Taste Cumbria Wigton will be followed by the Taste of the Sea festival in Maryport on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August, then the flagship Taste Cumbria festival in Cockermouth on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September. Taste Cumbria Christmas on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December, also in Cockermouth, will end the year.
Other events planned in the Cumberland area this year include a sausage festival at Muncaster Castle between 29 April and 1 May, a Run the Edge coastal running event around the Duddon Estuary on Sunday 21 May, the Solway Coast Cycling Festival in Silloth on Sunday 4 June, Harbour Fest in Whitehaven on Saturday 1 July, a Summer International Market in Carlisle between 24 - 28 August and a Christmas Market in Carlisle between 1 - 17 December