TWO days of food, drink, film, laughter and family fun are in store for visitors to the Taste of the Sea festival in Maryport this weekend.
Organised by Allerdale council, with Maryport Town Council as its main sponsor, the festival promises something for everyone.
On Saturday and Sunday, there will be a producers’ market at the top of Senhouse Street, with a hot food court, festival marquee drinks tent, live music and a picnic field down on the harbourside.
That area will also be used to promote fish and seafood.
There will also be a young entrepreneurs’ market and chefs’ demonstrations. Throughout the town, pubs and eateries will be getting involved with entertainment during the day and evening.
Visitors will also have the chance to see two new oral history films which explore Maryport from the 1930s to the 1950s.
They are being screened in the festival marquee on both mornings – see the Taste Cumbria website for timings.
Families will have loads to do. There will be children’s fairground and face painters, with Rainbow Wishes Foundation putting on extra activities, as well as a new treasure hunt, with clues created by local primary and junior schools, thanks to 'Little Pictures' workshops.
Classic car enthusiasts are in for a treat. Heritage buses will be running from the town centre to the Netherhall Rugby Club where Maryport Rotary Club will hold a vintage and classic car show.
Read more about the vintage car rally
The Settlement, at the top of High Street, will hold an exhibition over the weekend called Urban Sketches.
There is a chance, too, to see the inspiring film about the life of local artist and climber, Bill Peascod. That will be shown at 10.30 and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Councillor Mike Johnson, leader of Allerdale Borough Council, said: “The Taste of the Sea festival is shaping up to be a fabulous weekend.
"It’s the second time we’ve held the event in Maryport and, last year, it brought around half a million pounds into the local economy which is why these events are so important.
“The support from the community was brilliant and I hope we see an even bigger turnout this year."
Maryport’s Taste of the Sea event will be followed by the flagship Taste Cumbria festival in Cockermouth on Saturday September 24 and Sunday 25 then the Taste Cumbria Christmas Festival on Saturday December 10 and Sunday 11.
It, too, will feature an entrepreneur's market for those aged 16 to 25.
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