Whitehaven Alive is returning to the town’s harbour this weekend – and organisers are promising an ‘unforgettable’ festival.
Around 25,000 people are expected to descend upon Whitehaven’s harbourside as headliners Tinie Tempah, The Vaccines, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Jake Bugg, Boney M and Björn Again get ready to perform.
A free-to-attend festival event village will also go ahead, welcoming over 70 traders to the promenade. Products ranging from food to clothing to handmade crafts will be available and street entertainment will be taking place.
Festival goers can expect walkabout street theatre and circus activities, art installations, flashmobs, a pet encounter zone, a local music stage, corporate stands with lots of freebies and a range of family-oriented activities.
See our photos from Friday here
Taylors Fair is also bringing its mega fun fair to the festival including the UK’s only 60-metre-high Booster Maxxx, alongside a Ferris wheel, the firm-favourite waltzers, and more.
The festival’s automotive partner Porsche South Lakes will give festival attendees a chance to experience the luxury and performance of Porsche’s iconic models, including the 911, Cayenne, and Panamera.
It is set to be the town’s biggest ticketed music festival in years.
Oliver Hodgson founder and executive director of the festival said: “Spread across three days Whitehaven Harbour will come alive with people able to experience world-class entertainment, music, food and activities this week.
“It’s going to be an incredible weekend, with over twelve months of planning and preparation. Our site build is well underway, with the team working round the clock to put on a fantastic show for everyone, we have every detail covered to ensure an enjoyable and exciting weekend for one and all.”
What time and days are the headliners performing?
The festival will officially open on Friday September 8 with Tinie Tempah, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Lowes taking to the Mitie Main Stage. Doors will be at 4pm.
On Saturday, indie stars The Vaccines and Jake Bugg will perform alongside Tribes, with doors open at 4pm.
Sunday will see Boney M perform classics including Rasputin and Daddy Cool alongside Björn Again who will perform some of ABBA’s greatest hits. Real Thing and Geno Washington and the ram jam band will also perform and doors will open at noon.
Support will be provided over the weekend by local artists including Springfield, Danny Dunnery and The Northern Threads.
A surprise addition to the Saturday afternoon harbour programme is also set to be announced soon. Organisers have called the news ‘massive.’ Check back with us for updates.
Tickets are still available for purchase on the festival’s website.
How can I travel to the festival?
Most of the town’s pay and display car parks will be accessible including Tangier Street, Senhouse Street, Schoolhouse Lane, Carter Lane, Multi-Storey, Preston Street, Ginns, Castle Meadows and Catherine Street.
Local bus services will operate as normal and those visiting from further afield can get National Express coaches that link to Whitehaven or the train.
A festival shuttlebus service will also operate from Westlakes Science Park.
On Friday, the shuttle will run from 2pm until 6.30pm and from 10pm until 11.30pm.
On Saturday, it will start at 11am to 11.30pm and then return again at 10pm until 11.30pm.
On Sunday, shuttles will begin at 10am until 3pm and return at 5.30pm until 7pm.
Deanne Shallcross, chief executive of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, said: “We’re excited to be welcoming the whole of this year’s Whitehaven Alive to our historic harbour, which is serving as the most amazing stage for a range of entertainment. From the free-to-attend event village to the ticketed concerts, the atmosphere throughout the weekend will be fantastic.
“This festival is one of a number of events on the harbourside this year, which all help to raise awareness of our beautiful location, contribute to increased revenue in the town and bring people of all ages together to simply have fun!
“In turn, these events also support Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners’ work as a not-for-profit organisation safely managing and maintaining the harbour and surrounding area for the benefit of all. We can’t wait for next year’s plans to be rolled out!”
Whitehaven Alive takes place this weekend from Friday September 8 to Sunday September 10, more information can be found at whitehavenalive.com.
