A new festival will help a West Cumbrian village come alive with creativity this month.
The free Imagine Festival will be held in Seascale on May 10.
It has been organised by Everyone Here and shaped by the Jury for Joy and promises a packed day of performances, workshops, exhibitions and activities spread across Seascale’s beachfront, venues and green spaces.
Everyone Here’s artistic director, Kieran Sheehan, said it was thanks to the incredible work done with community members that has brought the festival to life.
Everyone Here’s creative programme is shaped by a group of around 15 passionate local people known as the Jury for Joy. This spring, following a successful recruitment campaign, the group is expanding to 30 members.
For the past two months, the company has been rolling out the jury’s big idea: a travelling art bus visiting 10 locations across West Cumbria.
From Mirehouse and Allonby to Dearham and Frizington, the tour has drawn in enthusiastic participants for everything from free portrait lessons and digital art installations to immersive theatre experiences – hosted on the bus and in community venues, churches and clubs!
Kieran said: “Having completed the first part of the jury’s vision with such an amazing response from the local community, we’re really hoping the Imagine Festival will be just as popular.
“We want people to come along, feel welcome, and try new things. We’ve invited incredible artists from all kinds of disciplines – and everything is free.”
Festival day kicks off with local legend Marc Goodwin the town crier, who will be opening the event and making appearances throughout the day.
One highlight will be the debut performance of a Massed Brass Band, specially formed for the occasion, bringing together players from Workington, Whitehaven, and Egremont town bands.
Many of the festival’s young performers were discovered during the Spark Bus tour and will showcase original material alongside community choirs, including the vibrant Cockermouth Rock Choir.
Acoustic sessions will run all afternoon in Calder House Hotel, featuring a range of talented local musicians – Emma Hunt, Owen Evans, Ben Akehurst and more.
Kieran added: “The generosity of the community in Seascale has been overwhelming.
“They’ve let us take over the village for the afternoon – from the sports hall to Mawson’s Ice Cream Parlour, the coastal front, churches, hotels and even the Windscale Club!
“It’s going to feel like an artistic jumble sale. People can come alone or with family, and wander from activity to activity – including filmmaking and photography with Zoe Forster’s new CIC, The Creative Space Cumbria, which even includes projecting through seaweed!”
Other highlights include an Argentinian tango workshop, a board game lounge on the grass, and family sword-making activities.
The acclaimed Knotted Project will host a day-long movement and dance programme – including surprise flash mobs anyone can join.
Art exhibitions will also be on display, including new community-created work exploring the theme of Belonging, developed by young people in Whitehaven and an arts collective from Maryport.
These pieces will be shown at Calder House Hotel alongside a drop-in workshop by internationally recognised Millom artist Irene Rogan, taking place in Seascale Library.
Kieran stressed the importance of accessibility. He said: “Where we do it, who we do it with, and how we do it should feel fun – but also meaningful and inclusive.”
To ensure broader access, Everyone Here is running two free coaches with pickup points across Allerdale to bring people to the festival.
To book your journey, click here
He added: “The best thing about what’s happening with Everyone Here right now is that the jury is starting to take us over – in the best way!
“They’re working alongside us as community producers.
“This festival wouldn’t be happening without the hard work and passion of the jury. Their original task to us was: ‘include everyone in West Cumbria in creativity together’. They’ve made connections I couldn’t have reached, and honestly, I’ve learnt more from them than I have in 20 years.”
A community producer from Cleator Moor said: “I’ve lived in West Cumbria all my life and I’m passionate about making positive change.
“Being part of the Jury for Joy and working as a community producer has been such a good way to get involved with local creativity and connect with loads of lovely people.
“I can’t wait to meet even more great people at the Imagine Festival – there’s so much to do for all ages and levels of creativity. I know it will be a fantastic day.”
Another jury member from Seascale added: “It’s been overwhelmingly exciting. I had no idea how much arts and creativity was happening in West Cumbria.
“I can’t wait to go back to the jury and say, ‘Do you know what a difference you’ve made?’ That’ll keep people motivated – because we’ve not just talked about ideas, we’ve actually done something!”
To anyone considering coming along, Kieran has a simple message: “You might be surprised by what’s on offer. Creativity isn’t just about getting your felt tips out – it’s for everyone, of any age or ability. The Imagine Festival will show that.
“We’re just excited to welcome people who want to try something new, have a fun day out – hopefully enjoy the sun – and maybe even join us. Because our next adventure begins in June, when we start again on whatever the Jury for Joy dreams up next. We can’t wait!”
