Shop, eat, drink, then shop some more – visitors to the Taste Cumbria Christmas festival in Cockermouth did all of this at the weekend.
The streets were bustling with visitors who had come to the town for the festive market, and they made the most of all the town had to offer.
Children’s crafts and games with Rainbow Jelly Productions took place in The Vicky shared workspace on High Sand Lane, there was street theatre from The Fairly Famous Family, the Kirkgate Arts Centre screened A Christmas Carol film, town businesses dressed their doorways with candle lanterns, the pretty lights strung through the trees were lit, and a live music stage with local singers proved a hit – with stallholders asking for a shout out from the performers as they danced to keep warm!
The weather was a little damp, particularly on the Saturday afternoon, but that didn’t put people off, with some of the town’s independent shops reporting a beautifully busy weekend.
Andy Walsh, one of the Taste Cumbria sponsors and owner of The Coffee Kitchen Bakery in Cockermouth, also had a stall in the Christmas market.
He said: “Despite the weather it’s been a great weekend. We had a good day on Saturday and sold out on the Sunday. It’s always lovely to meet so many people who have travelled from all over the county to come to the Taste Cumbria festivals and nice to see so many smiling faces.”
Judith Wren, owner of Kin Toffee Vodka from Newby Bridge near Windermere, said: “Once again Taste Cumbria and Cockermouth you were magnificent. Thanks to everyone who visited us this weekend and to all of the Allerdale Borough Council team for impeccably organising everything. See you next year – happy Christmas!”
This year’s Taste Cumbria Christmas is supported by Allerdale Borough Council, Cockermouth Chamber of Trade, Cockermouth Town Council, The Coffee Kitchen Bakery, and Cartmell Shepherd solicitors.
Taste Cumbria began in Cockermouth following the floods of 2009. Since then, events have taken place all over the county – the most recent being held in Maryport and Wigton for the first time this year.
