People are invited to a Mid-Winter Hullabaloo in West Cumbria this month.
The celebration of light, warming food, storytelling, music and shared moments, will take place from January 23 to January 25 in Moresby, Egremont and Cleator Moor.
The Hullabaloo is a forgotten secret – a whisper carried through forests, villages and towns.
Rooted in ancient winter rituals that once brought people together during the darkest months of the year, The Mid-Winter Hullabaloo reimagines those traditions for today’s communities and future generations.
Co-created with local people, the hullabaloo celebrates tradition, play and curiosity.
Drawing on folklore, music and time-honoured customs, the project weaves together past and present.
The Hullabaloo has been developed with primary schools Montreal, Bookwell in Egremont and Moresby, alongside community groups including The Living Room, Friends of Egremont Castle, Goodlives, Florence Arts Walking Group and local Warm Hubs.
Organised by Handpicked Productions writer Emma McGordon worked with local community groups and young people from Art Gyms to develop the Mummers Play, drawing on shared stories and experiences from across West Cumbria.
Artist Janice Murray collaborated with families through the SumArt To Do programme, young people in Art Gyms, and local schools to explore ideas and uncover what a Hullabaloo might be.
Composer Anna Pool worked closely with local schools to co-create original songs and music.
The hullabaloo will take place from 4.30pm to 8pm on:
- Friday January 23 – Moresby School then onto the Rugby Union Club
- Saturday January 24 – Egremont Castle then onto the market hall
- Sunday January 25- Cleator Moor Square then onto the civic hall
What to expect at the Mid-Winter Hullabaloo
The parade
Communities will gather and set off on a short parade, guided by master of ceremonies Jessie McMeekin and accompanied by original songs by composer Anna Pool, before returning indoors for warmth, food and drink.
The Mummers Play
Written by Emma McGordon, this playful, pantomime-style performance follows the characters of Moresby, Egremont and Cleator Moor as they search their own streets and stories for signs of the Hullabaloo.
The party
If the Hullabaloo is found, the night bursts into celebration. The Hullabaloo band Tryckster leads music, games and singing – with audiences invited to join in as much, or as little, as they like.
Spot the Hullabaloos
Created by schools and community groups in the lead-up – and by visitors on the night – these small but meaningful objects appear throughout the evening.
Tickets are £8 of £30 for a party of 4, including food and a warm drink.
Bookings can be made at www.handpickedproductions.org
