A free family event packed with entertainment, activities and street performances will take place in Workington town centre on Saturday 12 September.
Running from 10am to 5pm, our Festival of Curious Things will transform Murray Road and the surrounding town centre with a mix of walkabout theatre, live music, family activities, market stalls, food vendors and fairground rides.
Visitors can come face-to-face with dinosaurs from Dinomania, as seen on Britain's Got Talent, explore the imaginative world of Steampunk Science, experience a giant panda encounter, and meet a host of unusual characters including living lampposts, stilt walkers and performers from the Office of Lost and Found Oddities.
The festival will also feature the Little Inventors activity zone, a Teenage Market showcasing young entrepreneurs and creatives, and a range of local traders and hot food vendors.
The Festival of Curious Things is being supported by the Sellafield Social Impact Investment Fund (SIIF).
Also in this weeks edition:
Throwing your litter out of a car window doesn't make it disappear. It just becomes someone else's problem.
Every day, our teams work hard to clear rubbish thrown from vehicles, often on busy roads with traffic speeding past, putting staff in potentially hazardous situations and diverting resources away from other important work.
Our latest Carlisle verge litter pick saw:
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94 miles of verges cleared.
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1,500 bags of litter collected.
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3.4 tonnes of rubbish removed.
Our message to all residents is clear. Please, don't be a TO553R. Leave your litter in the car and bin it when you get home.
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It may still be summer, but our Highways Team is already preparing for winter.
Across Cumberland, crews have begun checking and refilling around 2,000 grit bins to make sure communities are ready when winter weather eventually returns.
Building on the popularity of the Weather Ready webpages, we have updated and expanded the resources to help residents prepare for every season. From winter snow and ice to summer heatwaves and stormy weather, the pages bring together practical advice and information in one convenient place. Residents can access the Weather Ready pages directly from the yellow information banner on the Cumberland Council homepage.
Thousands more residents across Cumberland are staying connected thanks to an increased uptake of free bus travel.
Over the past year, an additional 10,000 NoWcard bus passes have been issued by Cumberland Council, helping more people access free travel across the area.
The Beacon Museum is inviting residents and visitors to explore the stories, people and industries that have shaped West Cumbria as it launches a special Heritage Week programme from 11 to 20 September.
The programme brings together a range of activities, talks and hands-on experiences designed to help people of all ages discover more about the area’s rich heritage and fascinating past.
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Join Cumberland Libraries Ambassador M.W. Craven on Monday 14 September at 6pm for a special author talk celebrating the launch of his latest Poe and Tilly thriller, The Killer's Mark.
Hosted in the newly refurbished Carlisle Library, this is a fantastic opportunity to hear from one of the UK's most popular crime authors about the inspiration behind the newest instalment in the beloved series. There will also be the chance to get your copy of The Killer's Mark signed on the night.
Places are limited, so be sure to book early to avoid missing out.
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Please note that The Lanes Car Park will not be available on the evening of the event.
We have launched a review of polling stations across the district.
By law, councils must regularly review their polling arrangements to ensure residents have reasonable and accessible facilities for voting. The last full review took place in 2024 and although the next one isn't due until 2029, we have decided to carry out an interim review to reflect changes arising from recent the recent boundary review, as well as to consider polling stations that are no longer available or suitable.
The next scheduled elections for Cumberland Council are in May 2027, with elections for the new Mayor of Cumbria also due to take place at the same time.
The review affects all wards within Cumberland, although in some areas the changes are minor, such as updates to polling district codes. In other areas, there are proposed changes to polling district boundaries or polling station venues.
As part of the review, we will consult with local councillors, parish councils, political parties, community organisations and disability groups and members of the public are also invited to get involved and give their views.
One text could save you from missing a council tax payment and falling into arrears.
Our free council tax text update service helps keep you informed with payment reminders when your instalments become overdue and account updates.
Your privacy and security are important to us. Any information you provide when signing up is collected and stored securely and will only be used to provide this service.
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If you’ve ever wondered whether fostering could be right for you, Cumbria Fostering is inviting local residents to join one of its upcoming online information sessions.
These friendly and informal events are a great opportunity to learn more about the rewarding role foster carers play in supporting children and young people across Cumbria. Whether you are just beginning to explore the idea of fostering or are ready to take the next step, the sessions will provide valuable information and the chance to ask questions in a relaxed setting.
During the online event, attendees will watch a short presentation about fostering with Cumbria Fostering, learn about the different types of care available, and discover the training and support offered throughout the fostering journey. The sessions also explain the approval process and give prospective carers the opportunity to hear directly from experienced foster carers about their experiences.
Upcoming online information sessions take place at 7pm on Wednesday 23 September and Wednesday 21 October.
For more information visit cumbriafostering.org.uk to learn how you could make a difference to a child’s life.
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Young people across Cumberland now have more time to apply for a unique volunteering and employability programme linked to the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027, with applications for the Readiness to Work programme now open until 1 October 2026.
Launched by Grand Départ GB and delivered by British Cycling, the Readiness to work programme offers 18 to 25-year-olds the opportunity to volunteer at one of the world's most iconic sporting events while developing valuable skills to support their future careers.
Cumberland is set to take centre stage when the Grand Départ arrives in 2027, with Carlisle hosting the finish of Stage One on Friday 2 July and Keswick hosting the start of Stage Two on Saturday 3 July. The route will then travel through the Lake District, offering communities a unique chance to be part of one of the world’s most recognisable sporting events.
As part of the programme, 300 young people who sign up as JOY Maker volunteers will receive tailored support, including CV and interview preparation, resilience training, financial awareness sessions and personal development workshops. Participants will also benefit from three months of mentoring with professionals working in sectors such as event management, sport and performance, marketing and more.
Running from January to July 2027, Readiness to Work is open to all eligible volunteers aged 18 to 25, whether they are in employment, education or currently seeking work. The programme is designed to help participants build the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to take their next steps towards employment.
Thursday 10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day, a global awareness day that encourages us all to play a part in reducing stigma, promoting hope and supporting those who may be struggling.
This year's message reminds us that suicide is preventable and that every conversation, every act of kindness and every offer of support can make a difference.
A Message from Cllr Justin McDermott
Cllr Justin McDermott, Portfolio Holder for Public Health and Communities at Cumberland Council, has recorded a short video message to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
In the video, Justin reflects on the valuable feedback residents shared through The Big Question, which explored attitudes to mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention across Cumberland. The insights gathered are helping to shape the development of the Zero Suicide Cumberland approach, helping ensure local support is informed by the experiences and needs of our communities.
The message highlights the importance of continuing the conversation about suicide prevention and working together to build a safer, more supportive Cumberland where everyone matters and every life counts.
Lighting Up Cumberland for World Suicide Prevention Day
As a visible show of support for World Suicide Prevention Day, Cumberland Council will be lighting up a number of council buildings on 10 September.
By lighting up key buildings, the council is joining organisations and communities around the world in showing that suicide prevention is everyone's business and that together we can help create hope, reduce stigma and ensure people know that support is available.
Every Life Matters Candle Lighting Events
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, suicide prevention charity Every Life Matters is organising candle lighting events across Cumbria on 10 September.
These events provide an opportunity for communities to come together, remember loved ones, raise awareness and show support for those affected by suicide.
World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and hope for everyone. It highlights that our actions, no matter how big or small, can provide hope to those who are struggling.
Every Brilliant Thing tour comes to Cumbria
As part of wider conversations around mental health and suicide prevention, Theatre by the Lake's acclaimed production of Every Brilliant Thing will tour communities across Cumbria from 8 September to 4 October.
This uplifting and thought-provoking one-person show explores mental health, resilience and hope, and is suitable for ages 14+. Please note that it includes themes of depression, self-harm and suicide.
- 8 September - Barrow Town Hall, Barrow-in-Furness
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9 September - Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre, Workington
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10 and 11 September - The Centre, Maryport
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15 September - Hope Haven, Whitehaven
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23 September - Millom Library, Millom
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24 September - Kirkgate Arts, Cockermouth
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25 September - Florence Arts Centre, Egremont
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26 September - The Globe Hall, Ireby
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1 October - Newbrough Town Hall
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2 October - Amble Parish Hall
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3 October - Askham & Helton Community Centre
- 4 October - Gilsland Village Hall
Need help now?
If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that help is available. Reaching out for support can make a real difference, and there are organisations ready to listen and help.
PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 offers confidential support and advice to young people under 35 who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, as well as anyone concerned about a young person. Call: 0300 102 2470 Text: HOPE to 88247
MindLine Cumbria provides mental health support and information for people across the county. www.mindlinecumbria.org
Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone who needs someone to talk to. Call: 116 123 www.samaritans.org
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the NHS Mental Health Crisis Line by calling 111 and selecting the mental health option.
In an emergency, always call 999.
Together, we can help create a community where people feel supported, connected and able to access help when they need it.
Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board is looking for a committed volunteer to bring an independent voice, ask thoughtful questions and help ensure adults with care and support needs remain safe.
You don’t need previous safeguarding experience, just a willingness to listen, provide constructive challenge, and help make sure the needs of adults across Cumbria remain at the heart of decision-making.
It’s a rewarding opportunity to use your skills and experience to make a positive impact.
There are a range of resources available to anyone interested in the role:
Millom Leisure Centre will be opening soon, offering modern facilities for fitness, sport and wellbeing, including a swimming pool, gym, studio, sports hall and access to the existing 3G astro turf.
As preparations continue ahead of opening, Everyone Active, who will operate Millom Leisure Centre is inviting local residents to share their views and help shape the facility.
Complete the survey today or drop in and speak to the team on Tuesday 15 September, from 1pm to 5pm at The Community Hub on Salthouse Road.
There’s still time share your views and help improve Direct Payments. The survey closes on Monday (7 September).
If you currently receive a Direct Payment, or have received one within the last six months, we’d like to hear about your experience as part of a review to help improve support and services.
The survey was developed with people who have experience of Direct Payments and asks about information, support, communication and processes. Your feedback will help us understand what is working well and where improvements could make a difference.
The survey takes around 10 - 15 minutes to complete and is completely voluntary.
How to take part
If you receive a Direct Payment, please take this last opportunity to have your say before the survey closes on Monday 7 September 2026.
You can complete the survey online or use the postal survey sent to you by letter.
If you know someone who receives a Direct Payment, please encourage them to take part too.
Three of our communities are encouraging people to get involved in investing in their future.
Raffles and Morton, Maryport South, and South Whitehaven will each receive £20m over 10 years from the government’s Pride in Place fund.
They have now set up Neighbourhood Boards, chosen Chairs and started the work of asking the public how the money should be invested.
You can find their websites here:
All three have ways you can give your views, either by a simple email or an online survey. They also have social media channels.
If you live or work in any of these areas, get involved – Pride in Place funding is led by the community, so your views really matter.
Plans are being brought forward for a major new 69-bed hotel in the heart of Whitehaven, marking another significant investment proposal for the town.
The hotel is proposed for the former bus depot site on Bransty Row, which we own, opposite Wetherspoons, with the planning process now set to begin.
Once the planning application is submitted and if approved, the development would bring a major national hotel operator into the town centre, increasing Whitehaven’s visitor accommodation and supporting the local hospitality economy.
We have submitted a planning application for a carefully designed lighting scheme that would help showcase the historic Workington Hall while improving accessibility and visitor experience in Curwen Park.
The proposals include low-level, warm lighting that respects the Hall's heritage setting, with measures in place to minimise impacts on wildlife and the surrounding environment.
A project to clear land at Oldside in Workington and prepare it for future development is nearing completion.
The remediation works at the site have progressed well over the spring and summer and are expected to be completed shortly.
Once complete, several acres of prime development land will be available adjacent to the Port of Workington.
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The former home of HM Coroner's Service for Cumbria has been prepared for sale.
The building known as the Fairfield Office in Station Road, Cockermouth has been vacant for a short period following the relocation of the coroner's service to new, purpose-built accommodation at Allerdale House in Workington.
Situated in a prime location next to Sainsbury's and Fairfield car park in the centre of the town, the site comprises more than 2,600 sq ft of office accommodation and internal space, as well as an area of land which was previously used as a car park.
The sale of this building is part of a wider programme being carried out by the council to dispose of assets which are surplus to requirements, do not meet the needs of services or customers, or do not present value for money to the taxpayer.
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Are you aged 18 to 25 and passionate about the Solway Coast? We are looking for enthusiastic young people to join a new Solway Coast National Landscape Youth Panel.
This exciting initiative aims to give young adults a stronger voice in the future of our nationally important landscape. The panel will bring together individuals who live, work, study, or have a connection to the area, providing opportunities to share ideas, influence projects, and help care for the landscape we are all proud of.
By joining the Youth Panel, you will have the chance to:
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Share your views on issues that matter to young people around nature, climate, landscape and history.
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Help develop and shape future projects.
- Learn more about the special qualities and hidden corners of the Solway Coast.
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Play an active role in protecting and promoting the landscape for future generations.
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Take part in exciting opportunities and exchanges.
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Maintenance works are due to take place in two of our car parks in Carlisle tomorrow (Saturday 5 September):
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Castle car park
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Viaduct car park
The car parks will remain open throughout the works, however there will be reduced capacity in each car park to allow access and for the works to be carried out safely.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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