A performance by a young Cumbrian folk artist will kick off events and entertainment around Whitehaven Harbour this year.
Holly Brooke will perform at The Hub tomorrow, Friday April 7, for the first of five Harbour Sessions, organised by Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners. The Harbour Sessions will take place on the first Friday of every month, from 5pm to 7pm.
The line-up of performers is being curated by Tom Salmon, who has spent the last 10 years promoting the region’s music on local and national radio.
Tom said: “The line-up will include a whole range of Cumbrian performers, some from Whitehaven and some further afield. We’re going for a stripped back, relaxed sound, so expect some easy listening, pin-drop moment performances.
“Holly is from the Carlisle area and she has a fantastic versatile voice, which she accompanies with a mixture of ambient acoustic and electric guitar. A fantastic act to open the Harbour Sessions and a taste of what’s to come.
“I’ve grown up with the harbour on my doorstep, so being asked by the Harbour Commissioners to curate these events is something I’m really excited about. I like to think that people going for a stroll across the harbour will have a lovely surprise when they stumble across these chilled out performances from our Cumbrian singer-songwriters. I’m sure music fans in the area will be adding these Friday gig dates to their diary – we’ve got some brilliant performances lined up.”
The Harbour Sessions are one of a series of events planned for the harbour between now and Christmas.
On April 28 and April 29 Workington Transport Heritage Trust will be returning to the harbour with its Leyland National 51 event.
Last year’s event saw dozens of vintage Leyland buses gather on the harbourside to mark 50 years of the Leyland National bus, which was assembled at a purpose-built factory in West Cumbria.
This year’s event, run in partnership with Whitehaven Town Council, will feature bus rides as well as commercial vehicles and cars from the 1970s.
Later in the year, events include continental markets, plans for an open-air cinema, Harbour Fest and family fun days.
John Baker, chief executive of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, said: “The programme is about staging events that are free to attend and appeal to the whole family. They will be great fun and entertainment for the local community but will also attract visitors to the town and create opportunities for local businesses.
“I think the variety on offer over the coming year shows just how versatile the harbour can be as an events hub and solidifies Whitehaven’s reputation as a destination in itself. I’m looking forward to the first of the Harbour Sessions getting underway on Friday.”
