Nothing dampened the spirits at Taste of Wigton!

The weather may have been a little damp and chilly but there were still smiles on the faces of visitors at the first Taste Cumbria festival of 2023.

Times and Star: Shannon Gray from The 'Oss Box, WigtonShannon Gray from The 'Oss Box, Wigton (Image: Photos by Tom Kay)

In Wigton they browsed the Producers’ Market with bulging carrier bags of food and drink, watched live music on the festival stage, tucked in to hot food and drink and beers, and even enjoyed an ice cream.

There was lots of family fun to be had too. There were fairground rides, crafts with Rainbow Jelly Foundation, circus skills from Usefool, and street art from Dr Hessian Sachs.

Times and Star: Sam Murdock from Wigton tucks into a Temon Farm ice creamSam Murdock from Wigton tucks into a Temon Farm ice cream (Image: Photos by Tom Kay)

Visitors could even learn about yoga or find out about Cumbria’s tea drinking habits with historian Steve White.

The weekend was kicked off with Wigton’s first Taste Cumbria Comedy Night. The events are a popular choice at the Cockermouth and Maryport festivals and bring something different for locals and visitors staying in the area.

Times and Star: Antics Band, young musicians from Wigton, on the music stageAntics Band, young musicians from Wigton, on the music stage (Image: Photos by Tom Kay)

Taste Cumbria Wigton will be followed by the Taste of the Sea festival in Maryport on August 13 and 14, then the flagship Taste Cumbria festival in Cockermouth on September 23 and 24.

Times and Star: Sweet Treats by Martin Frickel - and dad Ian - from KendalSweet Treats by Martin Frickel - and dad Ian - from Kendal (Image: Photos by Tom Kay)

Trader pitches are now available for the Producers’ and Young Entrepreneurs’ Markets and hot food courts at each of the events. The Entrepreneurs Markets are open to those aged 16 to 25 who have a new small independent business or who make, bake and create as an aside to school or college.

For more information email anna.chippendale@cumberland.gov.uk.