The headline acts for a Cockermouth festival have been revealed.
And this year's Cockermouth Live! will be even bigger and better, say the recently-revamped festival team.
Tickets are now on sale for the eight-piece Manchester reggae band Edward II, singer songwriter Boo Hewerdine with Scottish singer songwriter Jill Jackson, and performance poet Rowan McCabe.
The festival is organised by a volunteer team of experienced enthusiasts with the support of volunteer stewards.
Member Tom Speight said: "The annual feast of live music and performance promises to be bigger and even better.
"The festival celebrates the wealth of musical and other artistic talent in and around Cockermouth and dates back to 2010 when a Midsummer Festival was put on as part of the town’s recovery from the devastating floods of November 2009."
The 14th Cockermouth Live! will be held from Friday, June 30, until Sunday, July 2.
The emphasis has always been on filling the town with music and art, with performers in pubs, cafes, shops, churches, church halls, Wordsworth House, the Kirkgate Arts Centre and castle.
"It’s a festival by and for all ages offering a real diversity," said Tom.
"As well as music, there’s poetry, theatre, both on and off the streets, and visual art.
"The participation of the many choirs, ensembles, folk, blues and jazz combos - which thrive in Cockermouth and surrounding areas - also have a huge role."
As well as the headline acts, up to 500 amateur performers contribute to the weekend’s entertainment.
"Historically the festival has taken place largely on the Saturday. This year there will be much more on the Sunday too," said Tom.
International singer/ songwriter and folk musician Boo Hewerdine will play at the Kirkgate Centre on the Friday evening accompanied by Scottish singer songwriter Jill Jackson.
Preceding Boo on Friday evening will be Rowan McCabe with his show, Door-to Door Poet.
Edward II will play on the Saturday night. They’re an English roots band, who’ve been going since the 1990s, blending rhythms of the Caribbean with traditional songs from the British Isles.
The festival weekend will be rounded off with a concert by the 50-strong Cockermouth Community Orchestra, conducted by local composer Philip Wood. The concert will include the world premiere of a new piece specially written for Cockermouth Live!
For Kirkgate Centre tickets go to www.kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk.
More festival details at www.cockermouthfestival.org.
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