A call has gone out to county food and drink producers to showcase their wares at this year’s Taste Cumbria festival.
Organisers have decided that the event, held in Cockermouth, will go ahead this year and have been working behind the scenes to make sure measures are in place to keep visitors and traders safe.
The two-day event, on September 26th and September 27th, will be smaller than previous years to make sure visitor numbers are manageable.
The producers market on Main Street will be reduced to 40 stalls, strategically placed to allow for social distancing, and Allerdale council, which organises the event, wants traders from across the county to have a presence there.
Stallholders will trade until 7pm to spread out the time people can visit and the town’s shops will be encouraged to stay open to give everyone more space to browse.
Organisers are also planning some online content for those who can’t visit, showcasing chefs and experts, and their businesses.
Visitors will be able to buy tickets for a marquee in Memorial Gardens Car Park, off Wakefield Road, to watch live entertainment and order hot food via table service.
In Market Place, there will be more food and drink stalls and a picnic area, hosted by Cockermouth businesses. Elsewhere in town, there will be children’s activities and live music.
Councillor Mike Johnson, deputy leader of Allerdale council, said: “We really, really want to boost Cumbrian businesses after the terrible uncertainty of recent months so we have deliberated long and hard about how to stage Taste Cumbria in the safest way possible.
“That’s why the festival will be smaller than in previous years, with loads of arrangements in place to remind people of the importance of keeping their distance, cleaning their hands, and wearing face coverings in shops.
“We’ve learned what works well from the reopening of Keswick Market, like increased stewarding and one-way routes for visitors, and will be replicating those measures here.
“We want everyone to have a great weekend and that means considering everyone around you as you explore everything Cockermouth has to offer.”
For more information or to book a stall, email [email protected]
