Cockermouth Castle is doubling its participation in a town festival this year for the first time.
The castle is normally only used on the Saturday of Cockermouth Live! Owners Lord and Lady Egremont make its sunken lawn available for performances.
But this year, it will be open for an extra day and have a marquee erected for performers to use.
With the weather not always being kind, and with the festival’s organisers wanting to expand this year’s Cockermouth Live!, the decision has been taken to provide cover as well as more capacity for performances.
Lord Egremont said: “We are always delighted to welcome Cockermouth Live! to the castle, and especially this year when it is building on the success of previous years by including a second full day of music at the castle and throughout the town.
“It is a delight to host such a wide range of local groups showcasing the musical talent of the Cockermouth community. We are proud that the castle is part of it.”
Chis Bridgman, chair of the Cockermouth Festivals Group which organises Cockermouth Live! said “We’re proud to offer a bigger festival than ever, with more events but also allowing things to breathe a little more. As a celebration of local talent, there’s no better show in town.
“We’re grateful to all of the venues which are hosting performances across the weekend – but to have access to the castle on the second day will make it extra special. We’ll have refreshments and loos available there too and, most importantly, some cover for our performers just in case the weather misbehaves!“
Performers at the castle over the weekend include a plethora of brass and swing bands including Cockermouth Mechanics, Egremont Brass Band , Sethera and the Derwent Valley Band.
There will also be performances by the Cockermouth Ukulele Band, Wayfarers Theatre, Kirkgate Youth Theatre, Alte Musik, and community choirs Sing Owt and Wild Chorus.
Three young West Cumbrian musicians will also play in a specially curated programme of Emerging Cumbrian Talent – Holly Brooke, Maddie Rose and birdseed. The full schedule of events with timings and venues can be found at www.cockermouthfestival.org
