Queen of the Solway dance festival, Maryport has fantastic 41st year

The Queen of the Solway dance festival was held at Maryport Church of England school over the final May bank holiday weekend, with over 200 competitors and even more spectators enjoying the event.

In its 41st year, children from Workington, Maryport, Cockermouth, and Whitehaven all took part, with some children travelling from the northeast, Lancaster, Barrow, and Millom.

Theresa Rodney with some of this years winners. (Image: Supplied)

Organiser Theresa Rodney said: "The festival is going from strength and strength and I am delighted with the friendly and supportive culture that is developing.

"The festival is a much loved part of the community; it is a joy to be a part of and to see the talented children doing what they love.

"I would like to thank all the dance schools for supporting the event, as well as my wonderful team of volunteers and everyone who helps along the way.

"We are already looking forward to next year. We would also like to thank Maryport town council for their ongoing support and donation. Thank you to Maryport Church of England school for allowing us to use their brilliant venue and to Dan at Urban Grill for keeping tiny tummies full.

"We have been blown away with the support from everyone in the community in our fundraising for the Walk for Lloyd group, and we can’t thank parents, teachers and supporters enough for the their kindness."

There were some amazing costumes on display. (Image: Supplied)

This year the festival raised £2,000 for the Walk for Lloyd campaign, a fund set up to raise funds for charity Meningitis Now, in memory of 18 year old Lloyd Sutton, who died late last year.

Following his death, a group of Lloyd's friends came together to try and raise awareness around meningitis and funds for charity Meningitis Now, with the aim to walk all of the Wainwrights throughout 2024 in Lloyd’s memory. 

It was a cause close to Theresa's heart due to the close friendship between her and Lloyd's family, started as her son Matthew Hall and Lloyd were friends since childhood.

Dancers wait in the wings ready for their turn on stage. (Image: Supplied)

Lloyd's mum, Louise Sutton said: "I just want to say a big thank to Theresa and the local community for all the money raised in memory of Lloyd and to raise awareness of this terrible disease.

"The Walk for Lloyd group which was set up by Lloyd's friends will, weather permitting, have achieved half of them on Sunday, with the 109th scheduled to be completed this Sunday.

"The Walk for Lloyd group is an amazing group of friends who Tony and I call family. The walk for Lloyd group as also been nominated in this year's Pride of Cumbria awards."