Taste Cumbria is back in Cockermouth this weekend for more food, drink and family fun, complete with Michelin-starred cuisine and even a beer collaboration from two local brewers.
The festival takes place from 10am on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September. The producers’ stalls will be on Main Street, the ever-popular Street Party takes place on Market Place, with even more attractions at Jennings Brewery too.
Experts including Michelin-starred chef Kevin Scanlan and his colleague Ralph Rojas from the luxurious Gilpin Hotel & Lake House at Windermere, as well as private chef Jon Fell and Cockermouth favourites Manon Plouffe and Dosa Chaska, will be on The Demo Stage. They’re joined for a steak-and-ale special by Buster Grant from Jennings and Richard Harrison from Harrison’s Butchers, and a first time demonstration by Ashleigh Hall, owner of Main Street’s Deli Station and Street Food.
There will be two music stages, in Market Place and at Jennings, plus street theatre, the hot food court, picnic areas and fairground rides. Add in a great line-up of experts cooking up some tasty dishes, a beer collaboration between Jennings and Crooked River with al fresco bars there and in Market Place, and this promises to be another great weekend.
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Also in this week's newsletter...
We have successfully taken enforcement action against a local barber shop after commercial waste was illegally deposited at a public recycling bring site in Workington, resulting in a £1,000 Fixed Penalty Notice being issued.
The waste was discovered alongside recycling bins at the bring site on 14 August 2026. Public recycling facilities are intended for household waste and recycling only, and businesses are legally required to dispose of waste generated through their activities using appropriate commercial waste services.
Carlisle Mini Market on Lowther Street, Carlisle has been ordered to close for three months following action by Cumberland Council and partner agencies
During a recent visit to the premises, officers seized a substantial quantity of illicit cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco. A 48-hour Closure Notice was subsequently issued and the premises was required to shut.
Following a hearing at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court, a Closure Order has now been granted under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The order means the premises must remain closed until 17 December 2026.
Closure Orders are an important tool in tackling premises associated with criminal activity, helping to protect residents, consumers and legitimate businesses while keeping our communities safe.
Your questions answered
Our actions sparked a lot of interest and led to a number of questions from residents wanting to know more about this issue, so we've put together some answers below. Here's what you need to know:
Why is the closure only for three months?
The length of a closure order is determined by the court and the powers available in law. In this case, three months is the maximum closure period available through this type of order.
Why can't you shut it down for good?
Permanent closure is not a power available through this type of court order. Any further action must be evidence-led and follow legal procedures.
Will anyone be fined or prosecuted?
Potential prosecutions and other enforcement action are considered separately. Investigations remain ongoing and legal processes must be followed before any decisions are made.
What's stopping them opening somewhere else?
Enforcement action targets illegal activity wherever it occurs. If offences are identified at other premises, appropriate action can be taken based on the evidence available.
What about other shops people are concerned about?
Trading Standards and partner agencies continue to investigate reports and intelligence across Cumberland. Residents play an important role by reporting suspected illegal activity.
Information from the public helps us build evidence and take action. If you have concerns about the sale of illegal tobacco, cigarettes or vapes, please report them by calling Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.
Working with partners, we'll continue to target businesses involved in illegal trading and take action where the evidence supports it.
The date and theme for our Fireshow have been announced. It will be held on Saturday 31 October in Bitts Park, Carlisle.
The sparkling event will start at 6.30pm and will be celebrate Cumberland's countdown to the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027.
There will be centre piece bonfire and more than 2,000 spectacular sparkling fireworks, set to music, will also light up the sky.
It will be the 37th Fireshow event to be held in Bitts Park and is the biggest event in the region attracting more than 35,000 people. This year’s event is organised in conjunction with Merlin Fireworks Ltd.
This year’s event programme will include a fairground funfair in Castle car park (formerly known as Devonshire Walk car park) during October half term. On the day of the Fireshow, there will be no fairground, but there will be food and family entertainment to those attending the Fireshow in Castle Car Park between 5pm and 8.30pm.
The event date has been chosen following discussions with partners and to avoid clashing with planned Remembrance events on Saturday 7 November.
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Young people across Cumberland now have until 1 October 2026 to apply for a unique volunteering and employability programme linked to the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027.
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.
Want to stay up to date with all the latest news, announcements and event updates as we build towards this historic occasion? Sign Up to our newsletter today.
Applications are now open for the Carlisle Educational Charity grant, which supports some young people under 25 from Carlisle to continue their education.
The grant may help with costs linked to university, further education, postgraduate study, professional qualifications, or travel that is required as part of a course.
To apply, young people must be under 25 on 1 October 2026 and live in Carlisle, or have parents who live in Carlisle. Priority is given to students from low-income families, but all eligible students are encouraged to apply.
Applications must be returned by 30 October 2026.
A £10m regeneration plan for Egremont will now forge ahead.
With partners in the Egremont Town Team, we had already been allocated £3m from the government’s Borderlands Inclusive Growth fund. Now Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the Decommissioning and Nuclear Waste Partnership are to invest an additional £5.74 million, and the Copeland Community Fund will add £1 million.
Under the scheme, the former Red Lion site will become an impressive community space with buildings for businesses and areas for leisure; Florence Mine arts centre will be transformed inside and out; and there will be improvements to connectivity across the town.
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Residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders are being encouraged to help shape the future of Cumberland by taking part in a new scoping consultation for the Cumberland Local Plan.
The six-week consultation, which runs from 14 September to 23 October 2026, marks the first stage of preparing the Local Plan under the new planning system. It builds on work already undertaken, including the Issues and Options Consultation held in 2025, which helped identify some of the key challenges, opportunities and priorities facing Cumberland.
The council is now seeking feedback to ensure that all important issues and opportunities have been identified and to help determine the most effective ways to engage with communities throughout the plan-making process.
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We're inviting landlords, letting agents, and housing professionals to attend two important events in October 2026 to learn about upcoming changes affecting the private rented sector.
The sessions will focus on proposed changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), including anticipated changes to how properties are assessed and rated from 2027, as well as the latest developments surrounding the Renters' Rights reforms and what landlords can expect in the next phase of implementation.
The events will provide attendees with the opportunity to hear from industry experts, ask questions, and understand how future legislative and regulatory changes could affect their properties and businesses.
- Thursday 8 October 2026 - Civic Centre, Carlisle, 10.30am to 1pm
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Friday 9 October 2026 - Allerdale House, Workington, 10.30am to 1pm
This autumn, Food Cumberland and Futureproof Cumbria are supporting 20 community Harvest Fest events across Cumberland, bringing people together to celebrate the fantastic local food grown right on our doorstep.
With grants of up to £150, local groups are hosting events that champion:
- Local, seasonal food.
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Low-waste, plastic-free celebrations.
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Climate-friendly choices.
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Stronger community connections through food, stories and shared experiences.
From hearty meals made with local produce to apple pressing and family-friendly activities, Harvest Fest events are all about celebrating autumn while building a greener, healthier Cumberland.
Keep an eye out for a Harvest Fest event near you this autumn. There's plenty to enjoy, discover and celebrate.
Kingmoor Nursery and Infant School recently welcomed a visit to learn more about Cumberland Council's Nourish Cumberland Schools Food programme and the positive impact it is having on pupils and the wider school community.
School staff and Cumberland Council's School Food Officer shared how the programme has helped the school make improvements to its menus, engage pupils and families in healthy eating, and develop a school food policy that will be published on the school's website. The visit was attended by Julie Minns MP.
The visit also included a pupil cooking session, where children prepared their own salads using fresh ingredients including tomato, carrot, sweetcorn, lettuce, cucumber and cheese, helping them develop practical skills and learn more about healthy food choices.
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Residents across Cumberland are being encouraged to prepare for upcoming elections by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.
We're currently carrying out our annual electoral canvass; a process which seeks to make sure the details held on the Electoral Register for each household in the area are accurate. The canvass also helps identify any residents who are not registered, so that they can be given the opportunity to apply.
Letters and emails have been sent to some households in recent weeks by the council’s electoral services team asking people to check if the information about them on the electoral register is up to date.
Many households have responded to these communications already; however, those who’ve yet to respond will be visited by one of the council’s canvassers. Visits have already begun and will continue until Friday, October 30.
Residents are being reminded that all canvassers will carry photo ID and will never enter any property. Responses will be recorded on a tablet device and if there is no response a further visit may be scheduled or a ‘calling card’ with further instructions will be posted.
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We're supporting residents who use telecare as the UK transitions from analogue phone lines to digital technology.
Telecare alarms and monitoring equipment play an important role in helping people live independently and safely at home.
More than 2,100 telecare users have already been moved to digital equipment, with further work planned to support the remaining customers before the national switchover deadline of 31 January 2027. The programme will help ensure telecare services continue to work reliably and minimise the risk of disruption for residents who depend on them.
The Council is also working with telecommunications providers to help identify and support customers who may be affected by network changes, helping make the transition as smooth as possible.
If you are unsure whether your telecare equipment may be affected by the digital switchover, contact your telecare provider or telephone network provider for advice.
What you can do: If you or someone you know uses a telecare alarm, look out for information about equipment upgrades and respond promptly if contacted about a migration appointment.
Looking for inspiration for your next day out? The Solway Coast National Landscape team has launched two brand new visitor guides, ‘Explore the Solway’ and ‘Dog-Friendly Solway’, designed to help you discover all that the Solway Coast has to offer.
From spectacular wildlife and fascinating heritage sites to dog-friendly beaches, walking routes and hidden gems, these free guides are packed with ideas to help you explore this unique coastal landscape. Download the guides and start planning your next Solway adventure at: www.solwaycoast-nl.org.uk/resources/
Printed copies are also available free of charge from a range of local hospitality businesses, visitor centres and community spaces, including libraries, across the Solway Coast area.
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We will be carrying out repair works to Cumwhinton ex-railway bridge from Monday 28 September 2026.
The works are expected to take two weeks to complete, subject to weather and site conditions, and will help to improve safety and extend the life of the bridge.
To protect the workforce and the public, the road will be closed while work is taking place. Working hours will be between 9am and 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. The area will be made safe and the road reopened outside these hours.
A signed diversion route will be in place during the closure.
Colleagues are being encouraged to take part in a public survey exploring the potential extension of the Borders Railway from Tweedbank to Hawick and Carlisle.
The survey forms part of the development of an Economic Growth Prospectus, which will help inform the Strategic Outline Business Case and the wider case for change for the project.
The survey is seeking "lived experience" feedback from people who live, work, travel or access services in the area. As such, Cumberland Council is not providing an official corporate response, but staff are encouraged to complete the survey in their personal capacity and share their experiences, views and ideas.
The survey is open until 8 October and can be completed online here:
Your feedback will help build a better understanding of how improved rail connectivity could support local communities, businesses and economic growth across the region.
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