Volunteers needed to ensure future of Cockermouth festival which showcased more than 400 performers

The recent event offered a packed weekend of events and activities showcasing the breadth of great talent in the town.

From Baroque songs in Wordsworth House to a reggae DJ in The Moon and Sixpence café, the full range of musical genres was represented.

There was drama from the young (Kirkgate Youth Theatre) and not-so-young (U3A drama group).

Choirs Wild Chorus and Sing Owt combined to perform in Wordsworth House gardens

And art from the experienced (the Meanders trail of art in shop windows) and beginners (family workshops on colourful Kandinsky designs).

“Altogether we calculate there were over 400 performers in 14 venues over the weekend," said Cockermouth Live! chair Bob Pritchard .

“It’s a remarkable achievement for a small West Cumbrian town.”

There was inspiration in the form of Radio 4 ex-cop comedian Alfie Moore, folk supergroup Peter Knight’s Gigspanner Big Band and the 50-strong Papcastle Community Orchestra.

“All these were sell-outs,” said Bob.

"And audiences for the whole weekend were good and exceptionally generous with their donations.

"I think everyone was pleased to see the festival back to full strength."

He is grateful for all the support, from performers and venue managers to stewards and volunteers but has warned that to ensure the festival's future, more help is needed.

"Huge thanks must go to all those who helped to make it happen but unless the very small team who have been running the festival for 12 years now get some re-inforcements, this year’s Cockermouth Live! could be the last," said Bob.

He would like to hear from anyone who would like to get involved. People should email cockermouthlive@gmail.com.

REVIEW - High drama at Theatre by the Lake: https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/20254084.theatre-lake-intriguing-insight-mesmerising-lure-mountains/