In March's edition:
 Image Description: Musgrave Monument, Penrith
Penrith Town Council has submitted an Expression of Interest to be considered as a potential UK Town of Culture for 2028, setting out an ambitious and community‑focused vision for celebrating the town’s culture, heritage and creativity, rooted in partnership working and local collaboration.
The decision to submit the Expression of Interest was agreed at the Council’s Communities Committee meeting on Monday 23 March 2026. The submission recognises both the opportunity to raise Penrith’s profile and the strong appetite locally for creative activity, collaboration and cultural participation, regardless of the bid outcome.
If taken forward, the approach would focus on working closely with the Penrith Arts & Culture Group and a wide range of local organisations, artists, volunteers and community groups to build on existing strengths and collaborations already taking place across the town.
Cllr Barbara Jayson, Communities Committee Chair & Deputy Mayor, said:
“Penrith has a strong sense of place and a creative spirit that is rooted in its communities, and it has so much to offer. Submitting this Expression of Interest is about recognising that strength and creating an opportunity to showcase Penrith’s culture, heritage and creativity more widely.
“This is an exciting opportunity to work with local organisations, volunteers and residents to celebrate what makes Penrith distinctive, support participation, and explore how a coordinated cultural programme could raise the town’s profile while bringing people together.”
Submitting an Expression of Interest is the first stage of the UK Town of Culture process and represents a low‑risk opportunity to explore what a larger, coordinated cultural programme could deliver for Penrith. If shortlisted, the Council would work with its Penrith Arts & Culture Group, partners and the wider community to develop a full application. Organisations or individuals with an interest in the project are encouraged to contact the Council via email: office@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk.
Further updates will be shared as the process progresses.
 Penrith Town Centre will host the return of the town’s popular May Day celebration on Monday 4 May 2026, with a programme of family‑friendly activities and entertainment planned throughout the afternoon.
Organised by Penrith Town Council, Penrith May Day 2026 will take place from 12pm to 5pm, with the funfair at Sandgate Bus Station running from 10am to 7pm. This year’s event is inspired by the theme “In the Garden,” celebrating growth, nature and creativity alongside the community spirit that underpins Penrith’s long‑standing May Day tradition.
Building on the success of last year’s event, the Council is once again leading the delivery of May Day, working with local performers, artists and community groups to bring activity and colour to the town centre.
The programme will include live music, street entertainment, arts and crafts, fun and games, classic games, trampolines, land train rides, and a parade, alongside the all‑day funfair at Sandgate Bus Station.
Cllr Scott Jackson, Deputy Chair of the Communities Committee, said:
“May Day has long been a fixture of life in Penrith, and for many residents it’s something they’ve grown up with.
“I’m proud that the Town Council has been able to take on the event, paying homage to its past while also creating opportunities to do something new and fresh each year.
“The ‘In the Garden’ theme gives us a chance to celebrate creativity and community, and I’m really excited to see the town centre come alive again - so make sure to mark your calendars for a day of bank holiday fun in Penrith town centre!”
Penrith Town Council would like to thank its 2026 event funders, Penrith BID (£5,000) and Westmorland and Furness Council (£3,930), for their support in helping to deliver the event.
Further details and programme updates will be shared closer to the event.
For the latest information, please visit the Penrith Arts & Culture website.
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 Image Description: Cllr Scott Jackson (Left) & Ami Stidolph (Right) standing on the new accessible path at Cold Springs Nature Reserve.
A new accessible path has been installed at Cold Springs Nature Reserve thanks to support from Penrith Town Council, helping more people enjoy the site all year round.
The 0.6km route links the reserve’s pond platform to the wildlife garden (delivered through previous support from Penrith Town Council), opening up more of the reserve to everyone, welcoming local families, people using pushchairs, and those with mobility issues. The path also connects with accessible routes outside the reserve.
Cllr Scott Jackson, Deputy Chair of the Communities Committee, said:
“Cold Springs is a special space on people’s doorstep where residents can slow down, enjoy nature and feel proud of where they live.
“It is fantastic to see the continued development of Cold Springs coming to fruition. Two years ago, Cumbria Wildlife Trust delivered a presentation at the Annual Town Meeting outlining plans for the reserve, including improving access through projects such as the previously supported pond platform and wildlife garden. Through the Communities Committee and the Council’s Climate budget, we have been able to support positive, practical change that builds on that vision and makes the reserve more accessible for everyone.
“This new path will help more people, including families, older residents, people using pushchairs and those with mobility issues, to enjoy the reserve comfortably. It is a practical investment in green space, supporting wellbeing and strengthening the brilliant work being delivered by Cumbria Wildlife Trust and local volunteers.”
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Ami Stidolph, Cold Springs Engagement Officer at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said:
“We’re really grateful to Penrith Town Council for supporting this important work. Linking the pond platform and wildlife garden makes it easier for more people to explore the reserve, and it helps us continue building a welcoming place for nature and for the community. Our volunteers and supporters take huge pride in Cold Springs, and we’re excited to see even more residents making the most of it.”
The Council agreed a 50% contribution of £9,330 towards the works.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust will look after the path as part of its ongoing work to maintain and improve the nature reserve, supported by staff and volunteers.
For more information about Cold Springs Nature Reserve, please visit the Cumbria Wildlife Trust website.
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 Image Description: Cllr Susan Davies, Penrith Town Council West Ward Councillor at Castletown Play Area standing in front of the Little City Plus unit.
New play equipment has been installed at Castletown Play Area as part of Penrith Town Council’s £90,000 Play Area Development Reserve, which is delivering improvements to play facilities across all Penrith wards.
As part of this programme, £15,000 has funded the installation of a Little City Plus unit supplied by Playdale Playgrounds, providing an engaging and imaginative play experience designed specifically for younger children.
The Play Area Development Reserve is already having a positive impact across the town, having already funded £15,000 of improvements at Pategill Park, £15,000 towards the new Carleton Multi‑Use Games Area (MUGA), and with £15,000 allocated for future improvements at Scaws Play Area, ensuring investment is shared fairly between communities.
Cllr Susan Davies, Penrith Town Council West Ward, said:
“I am really pleased to see this investment delivered at Castletown Play Area. The new Little City Plus unit provides a fantastic play experience for younger children and helps ensure local families have access to safe, modern and engaging play facilities close to home.
“The unit has already been well used, and I am sure this will continue as the weather improves and families make even more use of the play area over the coming months.”
The scheme was delivered in partnership with Westmorland & Furness Council, who commissioned and managed the works on behalf of Penrith Town Council.
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 Image Description: Penrith Town Centre Bunting 2026.
Bunting has been installed across central areas of Penrith town centre to help keep the town looking bright and welcoming for residents and visitors over the summer months, including in the lead-up to Penrith May Day.
The installation was carried out by Blakes. The Council is also developing plans for additional banners to be placed around the town to help promote town centre events and make it easier for people to see what’s happening and when.
 Image Description: Penrith West Community Drop In - Thursday 2 April, 2pm - 4pm.
Penrith Town Council would like to thank everyone who attended the recent Penrith West Community Drop‑In.
The event was attended by councillors from Penrith Town Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, alongside a representative from the office of Markus Campbell‑Savours MP, and officers from Penrith Town Council, Westmorland and Furness Council and Eden Police.
A range of issues were discussed with local residents, and helpful feedback was received. There are plans to continue these multi‑agency community drop‑ins in the future.
Commemorative Bench Refurbishment
 Image Description: Commemorative bench in memory of Marion Davidson.
The top slat of a commemorative bench on the footpath branching off Beacon Edge, has recently been refurbished as part of the Town Council’s ongoing programme of maintenance and care for public seating.
The bench had unfortunately been vandalised, however the work has helped to improve the condition and appearance of the bench, ensuring it remains a safe and fitting place for rest and reflection.
New Fencing at Thacka Beck Field
 Image Description: New timber safety fencing runs alongside a gravel footpath near a small bridge at Thacka Beck Field.
New fencing has been installed at Thacka Beck Field to improve safety for people using the footpath and crossing the bridge.
The fencing has been put in place to help keep residents away from the edge of the Thacka Beck, where erosion has occurred, and to better guide people along the path.
Turf works at Fairhill Playing Field
 Image Description: Freshly laid turf at Fairhill Playing Field.
Penrith Town Council has carried out turf installation works at Fairhill Playing Field to improve safety and usability. The work addressed areas where holes had developed, helping to create a more even surface and reduce the risk of trips and falls.
Any member of the public can attend Council meetings. The Council's upcoming meetings are detailed below with dates, times and venues.
Annual Town Meeting:
- Date: Monday 18 May 2026
- Time: 6pm - 7pm
- Venue: Unit 2, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Full Council Meeting:
- Date: Monday 18 May 2026
- Time: 7.15pm - 9.15pm
- Venue: Unit 2, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Planning Committee:
- Date: Monday 13 April 2026
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Unit 2, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Finance Committee:
- Date: Monday 27 April 2026
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Board Room, Unit 1 Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Communities Committee:
- Date: Monday 29 June 2026
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.00pm
- Venue: Boardroom, Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
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