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Taste of the Sea is back in Maryport this weekend

Maryport’s fabulous Taste of the Sea festival is bringing food, drink, music and more to the town’s lovely waterfront this weekend, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August.
This year it promises to be even bigger and better, with two sites, two stages and even more entertainment for all the family.
Head to the new Harbourside event space, created as part of our £12 million regeneration projects, for the Demo Stage where international expert Jack Stein, son of TV chef Rick Stein, and Cartmel’s Masterchef winner Irini Tzortzoglou, will both be showcasing their skills. They will also be joined over the weekend by Scottish seafood ambassador CJ Jackson.
There will also be a stage featuring live entertainment including sea shanty singers and storytelling, and the Teenage Market and the TEG Retail entrepreneurs market.
Over on the Marine Road showfield, there’s the big Producers’ Market and Hot Food Court, the main music stage, Maryport Round Table’s Rum Bar, and the fairground. The Chelaris fishing boat team will be selling their catch, and there will also be an oyster bar - both sold out quickly last year so visitors are advised to find them early on the Saturday.
Throughout the town there will be a Postcard Trail featuring scenes from old Maryport and the chance to win a Samsung tablet, a free family pass to the forthcoming Maryport Maritime Museum, and a Maryport print by talented young artist Chloe’s Chateau.
The Taste Cumbria events are a huge team effort. They are organised by Cumberland Council and Taste of the Sea’s major sponsor is Maryport Town Council. Thank you also to the other 2025 sponsors, Milburns Solicitors, Grants Oak Smoked, Thomas Armstrong Construction and Forth Engineering, and our supporters Maryport Business Group, Maryport Round Table and Maryport Harbour Authority.
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Also in this week's edition:
Hundreds of people attended a Cumberland Council event organised to take views on how Whitehaven could grow and thrive in the future.
Whitehaven residents and businesses were given the opportunity to have their say at public drop-in event held at the United Reform Church
A masterplan is being developed for the town and the event was the first chance to find out more about the process and have a say.
The Whitehaven Masterplan will set a bold, strategic direction for the town’s future.
With the involvement of the town’s residents and businesses, and the Council is particularly interested in understanding how to:
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Make even more of the harbour as an asset for the town;
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Enhance and make the most of public spaces; and
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Revitalising the historic centre, reasons to visit it and to support business growth.
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The aim is to create a thriving, sustainable Whitehaven that celebrates its history while embracing a dynamic future.
Following the first engagement event and the online consultation responses, the council will then review the comments. Further engagement activity is planned this autumn.
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Join Eden Rivers Trust on Sunday 17 August for the Engine Lonning Discovery Day - a celebration of nature, history, and hands-on adventure, right on your doorstep.
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Balsam Bashing: Protect our native species
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The Roman’s were here!: Learn about Roman life and dress up as a Roman
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Become a Nature Detective: Explore the ‘wild woods’
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A popular international market is set to return to Carlisle city centre between Thursday 21 and Monday 25 August.
Organised by Market Place Europe, the award-winning International Market is supported by Cumberland Council, shoppers will be spoilt for choice with a huge mix of authentic continental treats in the city centre. Stalls will be open between:
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Thursday 21 August: 9am - 6pm.
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Friday 22 August: 9am - 6pm.
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Saturday 23 August: 9am - 6pm.
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Sunday 24 August: 10am - 5pm.
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Bank Holiday Monday, 25 August: 10am - 5pm.
The event will include a great selection of arts, crafts and unique gifts.
For food lovers, there will be a tempting selection of continental and international flavours to sample. There will also be a great selection of fresh foods.
The Box Bar will also be on site serving cold beers and other beverages.
Green fingered shoppers will not be disappointed either as the market will include popular Dutch plant seller with his wonderful array of shrubs, plants, trees and bulbs.
The market will be held outside the Old Town Hall in the newly improved city centre pedestrianised area. Funded by UK Government, the works are nearing completion. All works are expected to be finished by mid to late September.
An ancient Proclamation will be recited at the Market Cross on Saturday, 23 August at 10am. The Proclamation is a declaration of Carlisle’s rights to hold an annual Fair in August, originally granted to the citizens of the city in 1352 by Edward III.
Refurbishments to the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and Play Park at Hammond’s Pond are now complete and ready to enjoy.
The upgraded community spaces offer a fresh, fun, and safe environment for children and families to stay active, play, and spend time outdoors.
There has been a national increase in measles cases. This is an important moment to remind everyone of the need to be protected.
The MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Vaccine
The MMR vaccine gives long-term protection against measles, mumps and rubella — three highly contagious infections that can lead to serious health problems, including:
If you're pregnant, catching measles can lead to premature birth, miscarriage or stillbirth. Rubella during pregnancy can cause severe problems for the baby, including sight and hearing damage.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide long-term protection, and also help protect those who cannot be vaccinated - such as newborns, unborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.
Who should have the MMR vaccine?
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All babies and young children (routine doses given at 1 year, and again at 3 years 4 months)
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Older children and adults who missed out previously
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Anyone unsure if they’ve had both doses
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People at higher risk, including:
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Teenagers and young adults
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Anyone who could become pregnant
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People born between 1970 and 1990 (who may not have been vaccinated against all 3 infections)
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Travellers to countries with higher MMR risks
Your GP surgery can tell you which vaccinations you’ve had and help arrange vaccination if needed.
Next steps: If you’re unsure of your MMR status or think you might not be fully vaccinated, please contact your GP. The vaccine is safe, free, and available at any age if required.
Thank you for continuing to help keep each other safe and healthy.
Have your say on the consultation being held by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England on proposed changes to ward boundaries in Cumberland.
Energy Coast West Cumbria Ltd (BEC) has announced today (Friday 8 August) that it has been commissioned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Cumberland Council to undertake targeted market engagement on siting a clean energy development on land adjacent to Sellafield.
It follows the Government announcement in June that the NDA and the council should work together to explore how the land could be used to boost the UK’s energy security, whilst also creating new jobs and economic growth for the region.
BEC has also been commissioned to create a masterplan for the land, now referred to as Pioneer Park, which will set out the vision for the wider development taking into account the requirements of existing major programmes at Sellafield.
To commemorate VJ Day, we’re lighting our main buildings red and are also flying the Union Flag.
A Service of Remembrance will honour and remember those who fought and died during the Second World War in the Far East at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which will be broadcast live on BBC One from midday.
This follows four days of events in May to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marked the end of the Second World War in Europe.
However, at that time 80 years ago, thousands of British and Commonwealth military personnel continued to fight Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific for a further three months when Victory over Japan (VJ Day) was declared on 15 August 1945, following Imperial Japan’s surrender to Allied Forces. Alongside British Armed Forces, hundreds of thousands of people served in the Far East from countries including pre-partition India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Nepal and from African nations.
Town Councils, Parish Councils and the Royal British Legion have organised VJ commemorative events in their areas. Check websites and social media accounts for updates.
We have demonstrated our continuing commitment to the Armed Forces Community by signing the National Armed Forces Covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation. It ensures that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and will not be disadvantaged in accessing public services by their military service.
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We have officially launched a major step in transforming local public transport. With £3.5 million in Government funding, we’re expanding and enhancing our bus services to better connect communities across the region.
For Bus Operators: Tenders are now open! We’re inviting operators to partner with us in delivering reliable, high-quality services that reflect the changing needs of Cumberland’s residents. This is a real opportunity to shape a more accessible, connected future for everyone who depends on public transport.
For You These improvements only work if they’re supported. Every time you choose the bus, you help keep routes running and make the case for further investment. If you want better bus services, then we encourage everyone to use them.
Together, we’re building a stronger, smarter transport network for Cumberland.
We have just launched our latest range of courses for adults.
Cumbria Adult Learning’s brochure is arriving through letterboxes this week – so why not learn something new, improve your wellbeing, or enhance your CV?
That’s what one family member had to say about our Ethel Care pilot - and we’d like to see if it could work for you too.
Ethel is a user-friendly device connecting older adults with friendly, trained carers through video calls. It’s perfect for:
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Monitoring meals and hydration
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Friendly chats to ease loneliness
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Supporting recovery at home
Want to learn more about the pilot and see if it could be the right fit for you? reablement.domiciliaryservice@cumbria.gov.uk 0300 373 2729
As part of Northern’s Railway 200 celebrations, they’re inviting you - and the artists, illustrators, and creative minds among your family and friends - to take part in a very special Northern art competition.
They're celebrating 200 years of railway history by bringing back a much-loved tradition: the classic British railway poster. From vintage charm to modern journeys, these posters have long captured the magic of train travel - and now, it’s your turn to add a new chapter.
Design a poster that captures the spirit of Northern rail travel. Think rolling hills, bustling platforms, favourite destinations, and the joy of the journey - all in the bold, beautiful style of classic railway posters.
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Your artwork displayed at Northern stations across the region
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A selection of railway-themed prizes
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Subject line: Poster Competition Entry
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The title of your artwork
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A short description (max 100 words) of your inspiration
Let’s celebrate 200 years of railway magic - and inspire the next generation of travellers through art. Please do share with friends, family, and any budding artists you know!
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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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