Cockermouth Live! organisers promised this year's festival would be bigger and better than ever - and they delivered in style.

Hundreds of performers filled the town over the weekend, performing in an array of colourful venues, from pubs to churches, Wordsworth House to the castle grounds.

Times and Star: Tryckster was a big hit at The Kirkgate CentreTryckster was a big hit at The Kirkgate Centre (Image: Photos by Tom Kay)

Lively audiences packed into The Kirkgate Centre for the headline acts.

And hundreds of people enjoyed all the entertainment being laid on at the castle.

Times and Star: There was a fantastic festival finale in Christ ChurchThere was a fantastic festival finale in Christ Church (Image: Supplied)

The busy weekend ended with a fantastic finale - when Cockermouth Community Orchestra, Sing Owt and Wild Chorus performed to more than 200 people in a packed Christ Church.

The hardworking team of organisers, all volunteers, laid on a busy weekend of music, drama, poetry and other activities for townspeople and many visitors from further afield.

A dozen different venues hosted a variety of events. On top of that were street performances.

Times and Star: Cockermouth Ukulele Band was a big hitCockermouth Ukulele Band was a big hit (Image: Photos by Tom Kay)

There was a fabulous range of entertainment, including brass bands, an orchestra, jazz and swing groups, classical singers, folk musicians and renaissance music.

Cockermouth Castle, opened to the public by Lord and Lady Egremont, was central to much of the festival fun.

Times and Star: Hundreds of people enjoyed all the Cockermouth Castle entertainmentHundreds of people enjoyed all the Cockermouth Castle entertainment (Image: Photos by Tom Kay)

For the first time this year the festival organisers were able to fund a marquee to shelter performers in the castle grounds, so even the odd shower didn’t stop proceedings.

Lord Egremont said: "We are always delighted to welcome Cockermouth Live! to the castle, and especially this year when it is including a second full day throughout the town.

"It is a delight to host such a wide range of local groups showcasing the talent of the Cockermouth community.”

Times and Star: Musicians in The Bitter End, on KirkgateMusicians in The Bitter End, on Kirkgate (Image: Photos by Tom Kay)

The renowned Boo Hewerdine and Jill Jackson concluded their current tour at the Kirkgate Centre on Friday night, and there was a rare performance by Edward II on Saturday evening which had everyone on their feet and dancing to their unique blend of reggae and folk music.

Chris Bridgman, chairman of the organising committee, said “The weekend was a resounding success and we have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback and appreciation of the town.

Times and Star: Keith Fitton in actionKeith Fitton in action (Image: Photos by Tom Kay)

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"Events like this only happen thanks to an enormous amount of hard work - on a voluntary basis - by a range of people in the town, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed to it and made everything happen so efficiently and cheerfully.”

Cockermouth Live! is a non-profit-making festival.

Times and Star: Music in Recreate and Make on Main StreetMusic in Recreate and Make on Main Street (Image: Photos by Tom Kay)

"It wouldn't be possible without the support of the community, generous donations from the public and our sponsors, and of course the extraordinarily talented pool of local performers that the area is so lucky to have," said Chris.

"We hope to build the festival up, year on year, and look forward to a yet bigger event in 2024."