The final preparations are underway for this weekend’s Cockermouth Live!
Organisers are promising the biggest and best ever event in its history as it celebrates the wealth of musical and other artistic talent in and around Cockermouth and over 500 performers bring the town alive.
It began in 2010 when a Midsummer Festival was put on as part of the town’s recovery from the devastating floods of November 2009.
Now in its 14th year, Cockermouth Live! runs from tomorrow, Friday, June 30 until Sunday, July 2.
Its new committee has pulled out all the stops to build on the great festivals of the past, extending this year’s event into a full day on Sunday for the first time.
Twelve different venues are being used this year, from pubs, cafes, shops and churches to Wordsworth House, the Kirkgate Arts Centre and Cockermouth Castle – which is not normally open to the public.
Tom Speight, one of the organisers, said: “It’s a festival by and for all ages. The strapline ‘A weekend of music, inspiration and family fun’ captures the spirit but not the diversity of what the festival offers.
“As well as music there’s poetry, theatre, both on and off the streets, and visual art. Over 500 amateur performers will contribute to the weekend’s entertainment.
“We’re hugely grateful to all of the venues, our sponsors and supporters who make this community thing happen. Historically the festival has taken place largely on the Saturday. This year there will be much more on the Sunday too, allowing the festival to breathe a little more.”
Eight-piece Manchester reggae band Edward II, singer songwriter Boo Hewerdine with Scottish singer songwriter Jill Jackson, and performance poet Rowan McCabe are the three ticketed headline acts for this year.
The festival weekend will be rounded off with a concert by the 40-strong Cockermouth Community Orchestra, conducted by local composer Philip Wood, accompanied in part by the 30 strong community groups Wild Chorus and Sing Owt, led by Dave Camlin.
Tickets for the Edward II gig, Boo/Jill and Rowan can be found at www.kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk/whats-on/
Tickets for the orchestra concert can be bought at Billy Bowman’s Music Shop.
The festival is organised by a volunteer team of experienced enthusiasts with the support of volunteer stewards.
The whole schedule can be found at www.cockermouthfestival.org
