Carlisle will host its first ever Hawker Market this summer treating shoppers to a four-day offering of food and entertainment.
The city centre event, planned between June 10 and June 13, will be the first of its kind and will feature street food, seated areas and entertainment from local performers and musicians.
Organised by Carlisle City Council, with support from the Government’s Welcome Back Fund, it aims to encourage shoppers to return into the city centre post lockdown, give visitors a safe outdoor space to reconnect with friends and family and bring the community together.
Cumbrian businesses have been invited to take part free of charge.
Stephen Higgs, the city council’s portfolio holder for culture, heritage and leisure, said: “The extended period of lockdown has been hard for communities and businesses. We hope that this event will encourage people to come together in a safe outdoor setting and reconnect with our high street.
“We are delighted to be able to offer space to trade free of charge to local food and drink businesses who have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic.”
A Covid Safety Management Plan will be implemented with provision for social distancing. Hand sanitising stations will be provided and stewards will be on site to ensure queueing systems at stalls are kept to a minimum.
If you have a food or drink business and would like to apply to take part should email details of products to andy@mpel.co.uk
If you would like to take part as a musician or entertainer email events@carlisle.gov.uk
The project has received funding from the England European Regional Development Fund and the UK Government through the Welcome Back Fund.
