A packed programme of events and activities is planned in the Cumberland area during May half term.
Family friendly events are planned in a variety of locations and include:
Carlisle’s Upperby Gala
Organised by Cumberland Council and supported by the Friends of Hammond’s Pond Group, Upperby Gala will provide free fun for all the family on Monday 29 May, between 1pm and 4pm at Hammond’s Pond.
The popular community gala will include a packed programme of activities.
It has free admission and food stalls will be providing refreshments throughout the event, plus Hammond’s Pond Café will also be open throughout the day.
Solway Coast Cycling Festival
The Cumberland Cobbler, a road race through Silloth, is a new addition to this year’s Solway Coast Cycling Festival (Sunday 4 June).
Organised by Carlisle Cycling Association with support from British Cycling, it will include four races for various ages and categories.
The deadline to sign up has been extended to Tuesday 30 May. Apply online.
Organised by Cumberland Council, the Solway Coast Cycling Festival will be held in Silloth on Sunday 4 June, between 10am and 5pm.
This year’s event will also include a producers' market and a Festival Village that will include kids cycling skills, fairground rides, a stunt bike show and smoothie bikes. All activities are free.
Cumberland Libraries
Looking to create a buzz in your garden and witness the beauty of nature?
Get ready to make your very own bee bomb and throw it in a pot or patch of earth and watch the flowers bloom! It's a delightful activity for the whole family to enjoy together.
Join us at Whitehaven Library on Wednesday 31 May between 2pm and 4pm and Millom Library on Friday 2 June between 2pm and 4pm.
You can also join author Chris Butterfield at Keswick Library on Saturday 3 June, between 10am and 11.30amas he talks about his new book - Wainwright Memories. Tickets are £2, to book call 017687 72656.
The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
Come and get involved in a host of Roman activities at The Beacon Museum this May half term.
- Sunday 28 May and Friday 2 June, at 11am and 2pm - Roman oil lamp making sessions Find out how Roman people lit their homes, then make their own lamp, personalised with a unique pattern.
- Tuesday 30 May at 11am and 2pm - Roman mosaic tile making sessions.
Discover why the Romans used mosaics to decorate their homes and create a tile to bring some ancient splendour to their home.
These activities cost £5 per child, in addition to the normal admission fee. Annual pass holders can purchase discounted tickets at £4 each.
They also have ROMANS "Are we there yet!", exhibition which is great fun for the whole family, as well as the Roman trail around the museum. For more details or to book, please visit The Beacon Museum website.
The 550-year-old Verrocchio masterpiece, Tobias and the Angel, is also on show at The Beacon Museum as part of the National Gallery's touring scheme. It can be seen in the Light and Dark Gallery until June 4.
The Beacon Museum is a family-friendly attraction on West Strand next to Whitehaven's picturesque harbour. It has four floors of interactive fun including touring exhibitions, the Sellafield Story and fascinating galleries that bring local history to life.
Tullie, Carlisle
Get busy with their drop-in family craft sessions inspired by The Legend of King Arthur this May half term.
All sessions are drop-in 1pm - 4pm unless otherwise stated. Included with adult admission/annual ticket, children go free.
- Saturday 27 May - Merlin Wizard Hats.
- Monday 29 May - 3D Paper Camelot Castles.
- Tuesday 30 May - Sword in the Stone Sculptures (relaxed session at 10am, booking required).
- Wednesday 31 May - Knight’s Banners.
- Thursday 1 June - Jester Hats (relaxed session at 10am, booking required). · Friday 2 June - Pipe Cleaner Dragons and Knight Training (requires booking).
- Saturday 3 June - Catapult Challenge.
Visit the Roman dig, Carlisle
The archaeological dig at Carlisle Cricket Club will carry on until Saturday 24 June.
The site continues to be active and is open to the public between Monday and Saturday. Free tours of the site are held at 11.30am and 3pm on each of these days.
Other events planned in the Cumberland area this year include:
- Hawker Festival in Carlisle between Thursday 8 and Sunday 11 June,
- Armed Forces Day in Carlisle on Saturday 24 June,
- Taste of the Sea festival in Maryport on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August,
- Summer International Market in Carlisle between Thursday 24 and Monday 28 August,
- The flagship Taste Cumbria festival in Cockermouth on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September,
- Christmas Market in Carlisle between Friday 1 and Sunday 17 December
- Taste Cumbria Christmas on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December, in Cockermouth.