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Two locations, top TV chefs, two entertainment stages, and two days of amazing foodie fun - the Taste of the Sea festival is coming back to Maryport.
Now in its fifth year, the event takes place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August all around the town’s historic waterfront.
The brilliant new Harbourside event space, part of our £12 million regeneration programme, will host part of the festival, while the rest of the attractions will be on the big showfield next to the Marina.
Some of the highlights will take place on the Demo Stage, which will be located on the Harbourside event space. Jack Stein, son of television star Rick Stein, and now an international chef in his own right, will appear on the Saturday morning, while Cumbria’s own Masterchef winner, Irini Tzortzoglou, will be in action on Saturday afternoon. Scottish seafood ambassador CJ Jackson will be another draw as she talks about working in the likes of the famed Billingsgate Fish Market.
Elsewhere at the festival, there will also be a big Producers’ Market to browse, loads of culinary experts to talk to, hot food and cold drinks, a children’s fairground and more.
As well as the ever-popular music stage, and the rum bar and beer marquee, there will be hot and cold seafood traders, an oyster bar and fish to buy straight from the Chelaris boat. Entertainment will include sea shanty bands, storytelling and roaming street theatre, as well as a children’s Postcard Trail to take visitors all around the town.
The Taste Cumbria events are organised by Cumberland Council.
Photo Credit: Tom Kay Photographic
After the great success of The Teenage Market in Carlisle, we are set to bring the market to Maryport for the first time this summer.
We are working in partnership with Taste Cumbria and Maryport Horizons CIC to hold the market in the town and to give more young people an opportunity to take part in this fantastic event.
The ‘Pop-up’ Teenage Market will be held as part of the Taste of the Sea festival which is being held in Maryport on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August.
With places still available, it’s not too late to get involved. If you have a passion for business or would like to make money from your hobbies, simply create your performer profile on the Teenage Market website here: https://theteenagemarket.co.uk/ - and then apply to take part in the Teenage Market at the Taste of the Sea festival on either Saturday 9 August, Sunday 10 August or both days. Applications are open until Friday 11 July.
Open to anyone aged between 8 and 25 years the Teenage Market offers young people the opportunity to try a business idea and gain experience of making, selling and marketing their own products in a risk-free environment. A gazebo and table are provided and set up for traders on the day, all they have to do is bring themselves and the products they are selling.
Photo credit: Joseph Robinson
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Also in this week's edition:
Our ambitious £440 million regeneration programme continues with significant milestones secured for its Carlisle projects.
Improvement works to Carlisle Southern Gateway, the Greenmarket, Market Square and Carlisle Station Gateway are all underway - resulting in more than £100 million invested in high quality projects that mark a significant step forward in transforming the heart of the city into a greener and more vibrant place.
Backed by national funding including the UK Government’s Towns Fund, Future High Streets Fund, UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the coordinated regeneration programme supports long-term growth, sustainability, and high street renewal, while shaping a Carlisle city centre fit for the future.
We have launched a Call for Sites - a key stage in the development of our new Local Plan.
Local Plans identify where there is the need for future development, where the opportunities are located and where there might be a need to restrict development.
Landowners, developers, site promoters, Parish and Town Councils and members of the public are invited to identify sites which they would like to see either protected or developed for a particular use. Uses can include housing, retail, employment, open space, habitat creation, minerals and waste.
There are no size or locational requirements for the submitted sites, but any land submitted must have the landowner’s permission and it must be within the Cumberland Local Plan area. It should not include land within the St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, Carlisle and the Lake District National Park as these areas of Cumberland are covered by separate Local Plans. These can be viewed online at www.stcuthbertsgv.co.uk and www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/planning/planningpolicies/local-plan
Any land previously submitted to any of the legacy authorities (Allerdale Borough Council, Carlisle City Council, Copeland Borough Council and Cumbria County Council) must be submitted again through this process as we will not include submissions for previous Local Plans in its site assessments.
This process is not the same as applying for planning permission; any site submitted through the Call for Sites is not granted any planning status (either permission or allocation), nor does it guarantee any future support from the council for its development or protection.
The Call for Sites process will run until Sunday 4 January 2026. After this date, we will assess the suitability and development potential of all of the sites put forward; the results of this assessment will be published in a report.
The submission forms are also available to pick up from council offices - Cumbria House and the Civic Centre in Carlisle, the Market Hall in Whitehaven and Allerdale House in Workington.
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Would you like to order a replacement 180 litre bin?
For those residents that have already made requests, we are continuing to deliver replacement 180 litre bins.
We received a large number of requests - 10,500 households - and are advising residents that don’t get their new bin over the next few weeks to carry on using their existing bin and to recycle as much as they can.
If you can’t fit all your waste into your existing 120 litre bin, you can put out up to two bags of excess waste.
If you provided an email address when requesting a replacement bin, you will be contacted a day or a few days before the delivery.
• Householders may also be eligible for an even larger or extra bin if they have a large household, young children in nappies or your household produces extra waste due to medical needs. Apply at www.cumberland.gov.uk/waste/largerbin
Waste and recycling calendars
• Cumberland householders can download, bookmark and print the next few months of waste and recycling collection information.
• Householders can check the dates for June through to the end of September 2025 by entering their post code and clicking on their home address from the drop-down options.
• As more changes to collection dates are planned in late September, householders are advised to continue checking their collections as they may be subject to change.
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Here's what you need to know
Welcoming a puppy into your home is exciting, but it’s important to make sure your new furry friend comes from a safe and loving environment. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
Why you should avoid unlicensed breeders
Buying from an unlicensed breeder can be risky. Here’s why:
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The puppy may not be raised in a safe, loving home.
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You can’t be sure where the puppy actually comes from.
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The puppy might not have had proper health checks or vet care.
Red flags to watch out for
Stay alert for these warning signs:
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The breeder has no licence or paperwork.
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They refuse to show you the puppy’s mother.
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There’s no vet history or health records provided.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Walk away and report it. Unlicensed breeders are often connected to illegal puppy trafficking.
Under Lucy’s Law, you should always see the puppy with its mother. If the mother isn’t there, it’s a major red flag. Say goodbye and report the situation.
We’re inviting you to take part in a short speech, language and communication survey to share your views. Your feedback will help shape the support available for families across Cumberland. Share your views by 31 July.
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Detailed plans showcasing a new Cumberland Sports Village are set to go on public display.
Following updates to clubs, public engagement events are now planned and will be held at the Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre in Workington on the following dates and times:
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Wednesday 9 July: 2pm - 7pm.
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Wednesday 16 July: 2pm - 7pm.
The plans will also be on display to view at the following locations from Monday 7 July until Friday 25 July at the following locations, during their normal office hours and on match days:
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Workington Reds AFC, Borough Park, Workington.
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Workington Town RLFC, Derwent Park, Workington.
Supported by UK Government Town Deal, Cumberland Council and Football Foundation funding, the Cumberland Sports Village (CSV) project presents a fantastic opportunity to create a modern, fit-for-purpose stadium facility for both Workington AFC and Workington Town RLFC.
As well as sport, the stadium would also act as a focal point for both the community and businesses within the area. An improved hospitality offer means the stadium could also be used for meetings, conferences, functions, events and community activities.
With the excitement of Wimbledon this month, now is the perfect time to dust off your racket, step onto the court, and get involved in your local tennis community
The Barclays Local Tennis Leagues has just launched a brand-new Beginner League at Bitts Park - perfect if you’re new to the game or looking to get back into it!
Open to adults 18+, these volunteer-led leagues run all year round in parks across the UK. You’ll be matched with players of a similar standard, so every game is fair and fun.
Plus, enjoy great perks like Wimbledon Ballot access, rewards for playing, and discounts on top sports brands.
Ready to play? Just download the Barclays Local Tennis Leagues app, sign up, and search for Bitts Park. Let’s get on court!
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To commemorate Srebrenica Memorial Day 2025, some of our buildings will be lit green. A special pop-up display exploring the history and significance of the Srebrenica genocide will be available to view at Whitehaven Library from 1-11 July.
Remembering Srebrenica is committed to educating young people about the Srebrenica genocide and the valuable lessons that we must learn for our own communities.
They have developed a range of free resources which are available for free download, explore the links below to find the resources that would best suit your needs. These are available at https://srebrenica.org.uk/
Today is your final chance to give your views as part of our Libraries Fit for the Future survey. It closes tonight (Friday, 4 July) at midnight.
Open to both library users and non-users, the survey asks a variety of questions, including asking for feedback on things like library buildings, digital services, interactions with staff, and ideas for the future.
More than 1,500 people have already taken part.
Once all the information is gathered, the council will then be able to make proposals on what Cumberland’s Library Service could offer and how it can best be delivered. Residents and other stakeholders will be kept up to date with ongoing developments.
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We had the pleasure of visiting the 1st Wetheral Brownies last week to thank them for their amazing work supporting Operation T.U.R.D.
The Brownies spotted a dog fouling hotspot in their area, marking a shocking 29 piles of mess and even handing out poo bags to passing dog walkers - all part of their hard work towards earning their ‘Speak Out’ badges.
To say thank you, we presented them with a certificate for going above and beyond in spreading the message about responsible dog ownership. The officers who visited the Brownies said they were polite, thoughtful, and brilliant role models for their community!
Our team will be carrying out targeted patrols in the area starting this week, with help from the Brownies' observations. They’re also planning another litter pick soon to earn even more badges - what a fantastic group!
Flood Relief Plans for Millom (2 July 2025)
We advanced our flood relief plans following severe storms and flooding in Millom, engaging with affected residents and gathering evidence.
Buckbarrow Bridge Construction (30 June 2025)
Construction work has begun at Buckbarrow Bridge on Corney Fell.
Bell Lonning Embankment Repairs (30 June 2025)
Permanent repair works have started at Bell Lonning embankment to ensure long-term resilience and safety.
Remedial resurfacing works schedules for A595 in Whicham Valley
We will be carrying out remedial carriageway resurfacing works on the A595 in Whicham Valley, starting on Monday 7 July.
The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven proudly presents a powerful new exhibition from British Life Photographer of the Year and Cumbrian farmer, Amy Bateman.
Running from 5 July to 7 September, Forty Farms offers visitors an unprecedented look into the lives of 40 farmers across Cumbria and the Lake District through powerful photography, immersive film, local products, and deeply personal stories.
The exhibition features contributions from respected voices in food and farming, including best-selling author and shepherd James Rebanks, Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan of L’Enclume, and veteran damson grower Harley Trotter. Together, they offer a firsthand perspective on the triumphs and trials of rural life.
Meanwhile, younger visitors are in for a treat at the Giant Soft Bricks Playland, transforming the museum’s Harbour Gallery into a vibrant indoor playground until 14 September 2025.
Designed for children aged 6 months to 8 years, this colourful wonderland is packed with hundreds of oversized foam bricks, inviting little adventurers to climb castles, crawl through rainbow caves, bounce on trampolines, and build imaginative worlds of their own.
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Join us on Saturday 5 July, from 10am to 12pm for the next Volunteering Saturday.
Tea, coffee, and cake will be on hand to keep you refreshed as you work!
And don’t forget, the Walled Garden Café will be open from 10am to 3pm if you’d like to stay and enjoy a bite to eat after.
Come along, lend a hand, and enjoy some time in this beautiful space. Everyone is welcome!
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Distington Walled Garden invites you to a this year's Summer Artisan Fete on Saturday 12 July, celebrating local makers, food, and culture in a stunning garden setting.
Enjoy 24 artisan stalls, wood-fired pizza, wine, cider, and beer, and live music from a brass band. Don’t miss the hands-on crafting sessions in the polytunnel - open to all ages.
The café will be open from 10am - 2pm, with refreshments available until 3pm.
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Join Team Cumberland
See if there is a job for you at Cumberland Council on our jobs page. You can also find out more about life at the council on our dedicated careers page.
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