Summer of fun planned for Barrow

Magic Mermaid, who will be in Barrow for the Summer of Fun

Free activities, entertainment and events for people of all ages are set to take place in Barrow as part of the town’s second Summer of Fun.

The programme of events forms part of Brilliant Barrow’s Place Development project which aims to help promote the area as an inspirational place to live, work and visit – while boosting the local economy.

It will feature Professor Pumpernickel with his fun filled crazy science performance and Matrix Circus with its inspiring new The Wild Flowers Ariel Circus Show.

The first Summer of Fun held at The Dock Museum and in Barrow town centre last year attracted more than 15,000 people – with 26 per cent travelling to the borough from outside of the area.

Westmorland and Furness Councillor Derek Brook, vice chair of the Westmorland and Furness Council Locality Board for Barrow and a member of the Brilliant Barrow board, said: “I’m so pleased that this programme is taking place again after it enjoyed such a successful start last year.

“So many people enjoyed the activities and entertainment taking place each and every week and the figures show that it helped to create a busier, more vibrant town centre and, as more people get to hear about the Summer of Fun, we can expect the number of people coming into town regularly to increase further. I, for one, will be attending as many as possible with my granddaughter.”

Working with the former Barrow Borough Council, the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal Board secured the maximum £25 million from the Government’s Towns Fund in 2022 for seven inspirational projects. Now, alongside the newly formed Westmorland and Furness Council, the board is set to deliver each project by 2025.

The Place Development Programme is one of these and, alongside the creation of an events and activities offer through partner organisations BarrowFull and Barrow BID, will provide two quality event spaces that will be used to host a range of activities in the future.

These will be located at The Dock Museum and outside Barrow Market Hall which is being transformed into a new destination for shopping, food and experiences thanks to an additional regeneration grant of £16 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Paul Hodgson, Barrow BID project manager and Brilliant Barrow board member, said: “We know people love coming into town when there are special events for everyone to enjoy.

“When it comes to visits and day trips, Barrow often loses out to its neighbour the Lake District but the analysis last year showed this programme brought people into the borough.

“As word spreads about the second Summer of Fun, I hope to see even more people having a great time in Barrow.”