A free community event in Carlisle this weekend is expected to attract over 4,500 people to a city park.
Carlisle Matters CIC’s Show & Tell 2026 will return to Bitts Park on Sunday, May 17, from noon to 4pm.
All ages are welcome to the event, which brings together local charities, community groups, clubs, artists and small businesses to showcase what Carlisle’s community sector does and tell people how to get involved.
Around 50 organisations from across the city and the surrounding area will host interactive stalls throughout the park, with practical advice on offer alongside entertainment.
Children can use the free inflatables across the afternoon, and there will be a packed main stage of live music from Miss Pearl, Somethin’ Brewin’ and DJ B, with dance performances by Studio A Dance Company.
Helen Fisher, director of Carlisle Matters CIC, said: “Show & Tell exists because Carlisle’s community sector is bigger and busier than most people realise, and we wanted to put it all in one place for one afternoon.
“It’s entirely free, it’s for everyone, and it only happens because of the volunteers who give their time and the funders and sponsors who back it.”
The 2026 event has been made possible by grant support from the Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen and Cumberland Council and sponsorship from Story, DrydenMedia, Irving’s Taxi Hire, Eden Solar, Gordon Consultancy Limited, Carlisle College, Kierweb, Travel Actively Carlisle, Stanwix Slimming World with Martain, Lakes Vision Services, McKnight & Son Builders, Laurie Brewis Trust (Heathlands), Cumbria Waste Group, Dryden Detailing, Rock With, and D A Harrison. Their backing means the event remains free for every family who attends.
