In May's edition:
 Image Description: Collage of Penrith May Day 2026. Click the image to watch a video of the day.
Penrith Town Council would like to thank everyone who joined us in the town centre on Monday 4 May for Penrith May Day 2026. The event was a fantastic success, bringing thousands of people into Penrith for a day packed with entertainment, performances, activities and family fun – all inspired by this year’s theme, “In the Garden.”
Organised by Penrith Town Council, the celebration filled Penrith town centre throughout the afternoon, with Taylors Funfair at Sandgate Bus Station adding to the bank holiday atmosphere. The event celebrated growth, nature and creativity alongside the community spirit that underpins Penrith’s long‑standing May Day tradition. The programme included a huge range of free entertainment including live music, street entertainment, arts and crafts including colouring a giant cube, table-top and classic carnival games, mini golf, bungees and land train rides.
A standout moment of the day was the Green Man parade, created and delivered by Upfront Arts and supported by local community groups and schools. Four Guardians and other costumed characters joined a huge Green Man, serenaded and dancing through town to the delight of the crowds. The parade also included classic cars, BJAMBA, Eden Dance and Penrith Town Band.
Cllr Val Bowen, Chair of Penrith Town Council and Mayor, said:
“Penrith May Day 2026 was a fantastic success, and it was wonderful to see the town centre so full of people enjoying themselves and soaking up the bank holiday atmosphere.”
“Since the Town Council took on stewardship of Penrith May Day in 2025, we’ve been determined to build on the fantastic legacy of the Penrith Lions Club. We don’t take that responsibility lightly – the Lions gave 50 years of service to Penrith, and I was proud to present them with a commemorative plaque at the Mayor’s opening of Penrith May Day 2026.”
“I am also proud that we were able to make so much of the day free to take part in, helping to keep the celebrations inclusive and accessible for families and visitors. Thank you to everyone who came along, and to all the performers, partners, volunteers and staff who made the day run so smoothly – we’re already looking forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027.”
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.
We’d love your feedback on this year’s event – please take a moment to complete our short survey: https://forms.office.com/e/8UDMzSQNAr
To find out more about Penrith May Day and future events, please visit: https://penrithartsandculture.co.uk/penrith-may-day/
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 Image Description: Penrith Town Council Annual Report 2025/26 graphic.
Penrith Town Council is pleased to announce the publication of its Annual Report for 2025/26, providing residents a summary of the Council’s work over the past year.
The report highlights the Council’s achievements, including awarding over £40,000 in grants to local groups and charities, continuing delivery of its £90,000 Play Area Development Fund across Penrith, delivering major community events such as Penrith May Day 2026, securing £196,116 for the Penrith Wayfinding and Interpretation project, and committing £50,000 towards the development of a new pump track for the town.
We encourage all members of the community to read the report and see how your Town Council has been working on your behalf.
The Penrith Town Council Annual Report was presented at the Annual Town Meeting, where the Mayor presented providing further information about the work of the Council:
 Councillor Valerie Bowen, Councillor for the Penrith Pategill Ward, has been re-elected as Chair of Penrith Town Council & Mayor of Penrith at the Council’s annual meeting on 18 May 2026.
Councillor Barbara Jayson, Councillor for the Penrith West Ward, has been re-elected as Deputy Chair of Penrith Town Council & Deputy Mayor of Penrith.
Councillor Val Bowen, Chair of Penrith Town Council & Penrith Mayor, speaking on her re-election, said:
“I’m honoured to be re-elected as Chair of Penrith Town Council and Mayor of Penrith.
“I’m proud to represent Penrith and to give something back to the town that has given me so much, while continuing to work with councillors, partners and local organisations for the benefit of our community.
“Thank you to my fellow councillors for their support, and I look forward to the year ahead.”
The annual meeting also saw Chairs appointed to the various committees of Penrith Town Council:
Finance:
- Chair – Cllr Charlie Shepherd
Planning:
- Chair – Cllr Scott Jackson
Communities:
- Chair – Cllr Barbara Jayson
For more information about the Council’s Committees, please visit the Penrith Town Council website: https://www.penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk/how-the-council-works/
 Image description: Penrith Armed Forces Week 2025 flag raising.
Penrith Town Council is proud to organise this year’s Armed Forces Day flag raising ceremony in Penrith and to provide refreshments afterwards, as the community comes together to show its support for serving personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets and their families.
Armed Forces Day 2026 takes place on Saturday 27 June 2026 and is preceded by the national flag-raising ceremony on Monday 22 June 2026, marking the start of Armed Forces Week. In Penrith, the flag will be raised at Penrith Town Hall at 10.00am, with attendees asked to gather from 9.45am at the front of the building by the steps. A bugler from Penrith Town Band will mark the ceremony by playing the Last Post, followed by a salute. Speeches will be given by the Mayor of Penrith, representatives of Westmorland and Furness Council and invited military guests. Refreshments will then be served in the Sandgate Room at Penrith Methodist Church.
The event is being delivered with the support of Westmorland and Furness Council. Invitations are extended to veterans, their families and members of the wider community who wish to attend and show their support.
This year’s event also reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment as a Bronze Award holder under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, following its formal signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in November 2025.
for more information about the event, please visit the Armed Forces Day website.
 Image Description: Sounds Around Town 2026 Graphic.
Back by popular demand, Sounds Around Town is returning to Penrith for Summer 2026! Penrith Town Council, in collaboration with Plug & Play, Eden Valley Artistic Network (EVAN), and the Penrith Arts & Culture group, is once again bringing live music to the streets of Penrith every Saturday throughout the summer months.
Sounds Around Town celebrates the incredible local talent in Penrith and Cumbria while encouraging visitors to explore the town centre, stay longer, and enjoy everything our community has to offer.
Each Saturday afternoon, from around 2pm to 4pm, different bands and solo artists will perform in various locations around town - bringing energy, creativity, and a fantastic atmosphere to Penrith across the Summer.
This year’s programme is also being supported through Penrith Business Improvement District (BID) funding, with performance dates aligned to Penrith BID’s Summer Saturday schedule across July and August 2026.
 Image Description: Terri Hope sitting on the commemorative bench at Thacka Beck Field.
A new commemorative bench has now been installed at Thacka Beck Field, creating a lasting tribute to the Baton of Hope Tour 2025 and a welcoming place for reflection, connection and conversation.
The installation was approved by Penrith Town Council’s Communities Committee following a request from Baton of Hope holder Terri Hope, who wanted to create a lasting legacy in Penrith after the tour passed through the town in September 2025, while also dedicating the bench in memory of her brother, Gavin Hope.
The bench carries the inscription: “A Moment for You. Take a breath. Sit. Be kind to yourself - this bench is here for you. Dedicated in loving memory of Gavin Hope and The Baton of Hope Tour 2025. Raising awareness and hope around suicide prevention.”
As well as commemorating Penrith’s involvement in the national suicide prevention initiative, the bench has been created as a talking bench - a place where people can pause, sit with their thoughts, or share a conversation, helping to promote connection, kindness and hope.
Cllr Barbara Jayson, Chair of Communities Committee and Deputy Chair of Penrith Town Council, said:
“This bench creates a lasting tribute to Penrith’s involvement in the Baton of Hope Tour 2025 and to the important message behind it.
“We were pleased to approve its installation following Terri’s request, and I hope it will be a place that offers comfort, reflection and connection for many people in the years ahead.”
“It is a small but significant way of showing that hope, kindness and conversation matter.”
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Terri Hope said:
“I’d like to thank Penrith Town Council, Lewis (Community Services Manager) in particular, for helping to create something lasting from the Baton of Hope’s National visit to Penrith. Gavin and I used to play in that field as children, which makes it especially meaningful to me that the bench is there in his memory.
"I hope it gives people a place to sit, take a breath, and perhaps start a conversation, and helps our community continue to raise awareness that there is hope, and that the world is a better place with you in it. For all those who have been taken from us too soon - this is for you."
For more information about the Baton of Hope, please visit the Baton of Hope website.
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 Image Description: Wild Play at Penrith May Day 2025.
Penrith Town Council is inviting residents to enjoy a brand‑new community event this summer with the launch of The Great Penrith Picnic, taking place on Saturday 4 July 2026 in Castle Park.
The free event is designed primarily as a showcase for local community, sports and voluntary groups, giving residents the chance to learn more about what’s on offer in Penrith and how they can get involved. Groups will be on hand to share information about their activities, answer questions and encourage new members and volunteers.
Alongside the community stalls, there will be plenty to enjoy around Castle Park throughout the day, including live music, family activities and opportunities to relax and spend time outdoors. The Great Penrith Picnic will also highlight other events and activities taking place across Penrith throughout the summer, helping residents discover ways to take part in local sport, culture, play and community life.
For more information, please visit the Penrith Arts & Culture website.
UPDATE: Fairhill Play Area – Temporary Closure (W/C 8 June)
 Image Description: Fairhill Play Area.
Fairhill Play Area will be temporarily closed from week commencing 8 June 2026 to allow essential repair works to take place.
The works will include repairs to the safety surface and the replacement of failing play equipment, following issues identified through an independent play area inspection. The closure is necessary to ensure the play area remains safe for all users.
Please note that the start date is provisional and may be subject to change due to weather conditions or delivery schedules. Updates will be provided if there are any changes to the timetable.
Thank you for your patience while these essential repairs are carried out.
A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project: June Closures
Please be aware that Penrith Town Council has been made aware of upcoming A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project traffic management in June 2026, including overnight full closures between Kemplay Bank Roundabout and Temple Sowerby, an overnight eastbound closure between M6 Junction 40 and Kemplay Bank, and weekend lane restrictions between M6 Junction 40 and Kemplay Bank Roundabout.
Any member of the public can attend Council meetings. The Council's upcoming meetings are detailed below with dates, times and venues.
Full Council Meeting:
- Date: Monday 8 June 2026
- Time: 6pm - 8pm
- Venue: Unit 2, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Planning Committee:
- Date: Monday 6 July 2026
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Unit 2, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Finance Committee:
- Date: Monday 22 June 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 - 7.15pm
- Venue: Board Room, Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
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