Join us on Monday 25 May, from 1pm to 4pm, for a fantastic free family day out filled with entertainment for all ages. From live music and community performances to children’s activities and community fun - there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
This year’s programme will include performances compared by The Fairly Famous Family including community dance groups; Studio A Dance Company, Razzamataz Theatre Schools Carlisle, Carlisle Dance Academy, Express Dance Studios and O'Hehir school of Irish Dance plus the BJamba band and with the highlight of the show the Tom Longton Sheepdog Demos.
There will be chance to sample sports, exercise and forest skills activities including a Climbing Wall and Wheels of Wellness. Other activities include the Hammond’s Pond Railway, children’s activity marquee, a fun fair, Owl Magic and Zoo Madness.
Upperby Gala is organised by Cumberland Council and supported by The Friends of Hammonds Pond Group and admission is free.
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Make a splash this school holidays!
All schoolchildren aged up to 16 years old from the Cumberland area can go for a swim for only 10p over the May half-term holidays.
The discounted scheme has been put in place by Cumberland Council, with the support of Everyone Active, GLL and Wigton Baths Trust.
It is available at Cockermouth Leisure Centre, Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre (Whitehaven), The Sands Leisure Centre (Carlisle), Wigton Baths Trust and Workington Leisure Centre.
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You can find our round-up of activities in Cumberland over May Half Term in our special email newsletter:
If you haven’t done so already, do sign up to get future editions sent straight to your email inbox.
With warmer weather on the way and the Lakes right on our doorstep, it is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy everything the area has to offer.
As always, we are asking everyone to help stay safe and respect these special places when visiting.
Parking and access
Please park considerately, using designated bays only and avoiding blocking gates, lanes or emergency access routes. We have a large farming community, so it is important livestock and farms remain accessible. Popular spots can fill up quickly, so plan ahead and consider alternative locations. Where possible, help reduce congestion by using public transport, shuttle services or cycling – why not give one of the Cumberland bus services a try? Full timetables and route maps are available at: www.cumberland.gov.uk/bus-timetables
Water safety
Even in summer, lakes and rivers remain very cold and cold water shock is a real risk. If you get into difficulty, float on your back, stay calm and call for help. Children should always be supervised closely, and buoyancy aids should be worn for activities such as paddleboarding or kayaking.
Camping and overnight stays
Please avoid unauthorised camping. Use official campsites where possible. If you are spending time outdoors, take all litter home with you, including food waste, and be mindful of noise, fires and impacts on the natural environment.
Respecting the Lakes
Help protect the area by leaving it as you found it, or better. Litter, disposable BBQs and plastics can harm wildlife and the landscape. Follow local guidance, signage and ranger advice, and be prepared for changing weather by carrying water, sun protection and appropriate clothing. #LeaveNoTrace
Thank you for helping to keep our communities, countryside and visitors safe, and for showing respect for the beautiful area we are so lucky to call home!
You can find more advice on our Weather Ready webpages.
Last week we released a video showing how our recycling is sorted, bundled and sent for a new use. If you missed it, you can take a look on our video on our YouTube stream.
It proved so popular that we thought you'd like to find out how we sort the plastic recycling into all the different types.
Check out more information on our waste and recycling collections online at: Bins, recycling and street cleaning | Cumberland Council
Cumbria Combined Authority, Enterprising Cumbria, Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council joined forces to promote Cumbria’s investment opportunities and development plans. The Cumbria pavilion at UKREiiF included a packed programme of networking, panels and roundtable events.
Hosted in Leeds, the three-day business conference (Tuesday 19 - Thursday 21 May 2026) attracted thousands of delegates and potential investors. It connected people, places and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment.
There was also a special appearance from Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins at the Cumbria pavilion. Britain’s first Tour de France winner helped us to shine a national spotlight on the county’s growth ambitions and major investment opportunities.
The cyclist’s involvement helped build excitement for the Grand Départ GB 2027 coming to Cumbria in July, when Cumberland will host two stages of the world‑famous race.
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Cumbria Combined Authority, Enterprising Cumbria, Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council joined forces to promote Cumbria’s investment opportunities and development plans. The Cumbria pavilion at UKREiiF included a packed programme of networking, panels and roundtable events.
Hosted in Leeds, the three-day business conference (Tuesday 19 - Thursday 21 May 2026) attracted thousands of delegates and potential investors. It connected people, places and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment.
There was also a special appearance from Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins at the Cumbria pavilion. Britain’s first Tour de France winner helped us to shine a national spotlight on the county’s growth ambitions and major investment opportunities.
The cyclist’s involvement helped build excitement for the Grand Départ GB 2027 coming to Cumbria in July, when Cumberland will host two stages of the world‑famous race.
Our Director of Public Health, Colin Cox, has published his Public Health Annual Report 2026, highlighting stark inequalities in men’s health — and calling for a wider conversation about masculinity and its impact on health, relationships and communities.
Titled “Man up? Understanding men’s health and identity in Cumberland, and why it matters for everyone”, the report shows that men in Cumberland experience significantly poorer health outcomes than women, including higher rates of suicide, substance misuse and earlier death.
The report identifies suicide, drug poisoning and injury as the biggest contributors to inequalities in life expectancy, with men accounting for the majority of deaths. Between 2022 and 2024, suicide rates in Cumberland were among the highest in England.
Drawing on local data, national evidence and lived‑experience insight - including findings from The Big Question work on suicide in Cumberland - the report explores how poverty, work, education, isolation and social expectations around masculinity shape men’s mental and physical health across their lives.
The Cumberland Youth Justice Service’s Intervention team has been recognised for their outstanding work with young people, after being shortlisted for Frontline’s Multi-Agency Team of the Year award.
The Intervention team in Cumberland sits within the Youth Justice Service and works in a multi-agency capacity with; family help, children services, child exploitation, education and substance misuse teams to create a positive environment for children.
Their work supports children who may not be in education, employment or training, helping them to gain practical skills in an engaging and strengths-based way, always ensuring the voice of the child is heard throughout. The team delivers a variety of sessions all created to ensure children are on the best path to a happy, healthy and offending free life.
Fantastic news for the team and all the creative ways they manage to get young people engaged.
Being shortlisted for this national award is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the team’s commitment, innovation and the positive impact they have on young people across Cumberland.
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Congratulations to our Ceremonies Team who've been announced as finalists in the prestigious North West Wedding Awards, run by County Brides.
Both the wider team and the council-run Carlisle Registry Office at Lady Gillford’s House in Carlisle have made the finals separately having been nominated in the 'Ceremony Provider of the Year' category.
The annual awards are voted for by brides and grooms who’ve had outstanding experiences with wedding providers, and we couldn't be more excited to be in the running. The winners will be announced at a special event on Wednesday 17 June.
While the Ceremonies Team and our stunning venue at Lady Gillford's House are the ones in the running for the award, making sure couples get the ceremony they deserve is a cross-council effort. So many different people and teams are involved, from the customer services team taking bookings, the registration team carrying out the legalities and the receptionists at Lady Gillford's providing a warm welcome, to the gardeners and cleaners who keep our venue looking incredible and our external partners, you all play a vital role.
* If you would like to learn more about booking a ceremony at a venue in Cumberland then call the team on 0300 373 3730 or go to to this link.
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Barbara Herridge, from the council’s hosted waste disposal team, was named Local Authority Individual of the Year at the 2026 Awards for Excellence in Waste and Recycling, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to environmental awareness and sustainability across Cumbria.
The awards, hosted on 13 May 2026, are among the UK’s most respected in the sector, celebrating innovation and leadership in waste and recycling.
Barbara has played a pivotal role in transforming how residents engage with environmental issues, leading campaigns that have reached thousands of young people, reduced hazardous waste, and strengthened collaboration between councils. Her leadership has been central to the success of the Baa-ttery Campaign, which brought together partners across Cumbria.
Beyond this, Barbara leads a dedicated team delivering a wide range of environmental initiatives, championing collaboration, mentoring colleagues, and ensuring projects deliver lasting value for communities.
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Following the successful regeneration of Market Square and the Greenmarket and Devonshire Street in Carlisle, Cumberland Council is progressing with further targeted improvements to the top of English Street.
The works will focus on the replacement of existing street furniture, including benches, bins, bollards and cycle racks, alongside small areas of repaving where surfaces are currently uneven. The improvements are limited in scope and are designed to refresh key sections of the street while working within the existing layout.
Waberthwaite Church of England School has once again taken first place in the Cumberland Schools’ Battery Recycling Competition, making it back-to-back wins in the initiative’s second year.
The annual competition challenges schools to collect the highest amount of batteries per pupil, helping raise awareness of the importance of safe and responsible disposal. With lithium-ion batteries increasingly common in everyday items, incorrect disposal can pose a serious fire risk if placed in general waste or recycling bins.
This year, 201 primary schools from across Cumbria took part, collectively recycling an impressive 1.573 tonnes of batteries.
Waberthwaite led the way, collecting 139kg (2.78kg per pupil), followed by Walton & Lees Hill C of E School with 13kg (1.08kg per pupil), and Broughton Moor Primary School with 43kg (0.84kg per pupil).
The winning school received £300 in book tokens, with prizes of £200 and £100 awarded to second and third place.
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Cumberland Council is delighted with the news that The Edge “Cumbria’s Coastal Activity Centre” Whitehaven has been shortlisted for the Royal Town Planning Institute North West Planning Excellence Awards 2026.
The Edge is a new coastal activity centre which has been designed to bring life, energy and opportunity to Whitehaven Harbour. Created by Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, it’s functions to support the local community, attract visitors, and provide a base for outdoor adventure, learning, creativity and connection.
The building received funding from through the Sellafield Ltd’s SiX (Social Impact Multiplied) fund and also from The Coastal Communities fund.
The final winners are due to be announced at the RTPI NW Awards ceremony on 19th June 2026.
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If you or someone you care about is starting to need a bit of extra help, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming.
That’s why clear, reliable information about the support available to you locally is now available on the Cumberland Council website. Start exploring your options today and see what support could help you or your family on Adult Social Care Support.
Changes to the way customers pay for parking at Workington’s multi-storey car park will be introduced early next month.
The Cumberland Council-operated site will be moving away from the pay-on-exit barrier system from Tuesday 2 June, with customers asked to pay on arrival, in line with other council-run car parks.
The changes mean that customers will have more flexibility when paying for their parking, with people now able to use the MiPermit mobile app or phone system, card or cash.
If customers choose to use the MiPermit app, they’re reminded to only download it from the official Apple App Store or from Google Play depending on which device they use. Download links can be found on the MiPermit website at www.mipermit.com/apps.aspx.
In addition, the changes will allow the car park to be open for longer with it operating from 7am to 7pm seven days a week from 2 June.
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Are you passionate about your community and committed to bringing about change?
The neighbourhoods of Raffles and Morton; Flimby, Ellenborough and Broughton Moor; and Kells, Mirehouse and Woodhouse are seeking board members to help invest £20m each from the UK Government’s Pride in Place fund.
Two independent Chairs have already been appointed – Florence Hanlon-Bone (Chair for Kells, Mirehouse and Woodhouse) and Annalee Holliday (Chair for Flimby, Ellenborough and Broughton Moor.) A Chair for the Raffles and Morton area will be appointed soon.
Armed Forces Day, a national celebration of the UK's Armed Forces - past, present and future - will be held in Carlisle’s city centre pedestrianised area on Saturday 27 June.
Organisations represented will include: the Cumbria Museum of Military Life, Lancs Association Branch, Cumbria Army Cadet Force, Cumbria Police, Age UK North Cumbria, Carlisle Sea Cadets, RAF Air Cadets, Solway Aviation Society, Royal British Legion, Armed Forces Careers Office Carlisle, SSAFA Cumbria branch, Carlisle United Sports Trust, RAF Spadeadam, The RAF Association, The Military Vehicle Trust and Cumberland Council.
The Armed Forces Day programme will also include live music provided by the Border Concert Band.
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Slope repairs completed near Derwent Water
We have successfully completed essential slope repair works along the B5289 near Ashness Bridge, Keswick, helping to protect this much-loved route around Derwent Water and ensure its long-term safety and resilience.
Keswick footpath upgrade
Works to improve the Howrah Footpath in Keswick were completed several weeks ago, with the upgraded route already being enjoyed by residents and visitors as an asset to the town.
Road closure planned for carriageway patching works in Cleator Moor
We will be carrying out essential carriageway patching works on Priory Drive in Cleator Moor.
The works will take place on Priory Drive in Cleator Moor and are scheduled to begin on Tuesday 26 May 2026, lasting for approximately four days, subject to weather conditions and site requirements.
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