In July's edition:
 Image Description: Penrith Fingerposts.
Penrith Town Council’s Wayfinding and Interpretation Project is progressing, with new fingerposts now installed across the town centre to direct people to key locations and points of interest.
The scheme is being delivered through the Borderlands Place Programme as part of the wider Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. In Penrith, this fully government funded project will replace and refresh town centre signage to help residents and visitors move more easily between key locations, including heritage sites, public spaces, car parks and shopping areas.
The project follows a wayfinding strategy commissioned by Penrith Town Council, which sets out a clearer and more consistent approach to pedestrian routes across the town. Rather than always pointing people by the shortest possible route, the new fingerposts are designed to guide people along the town’s primary and secondary routes. Primary routes are the main pedestrian routes linking key destinations, while secondary routes connect people into those main routes and help provide clear, consistent directions across the town centre. This approach is intended to make it easier for residents and visitors to move around Penrith and discover key places of interest.
Walking times are shown on the fingerposts to help people understand the approximate length of time it may take to reach certain destinations before setting off. This is particularly useful for visitors, families and those who may need a little longer to move around the town centre.
Outdated and damaged signage has now been removed, with the new fingerposts forming the first phase of the installation. We are currently awaiting the installation dates for the visitor information panels and gateway signs welcoming visitors to Penrith, but anticipate this to be later in August, subject to change.
The new visitor information panels will, in most cases, replace the larger panels that have been removed. They will include mapping information on one side and history and heritage information on the other, helping people to navigate the town while also learning more about Penrith’s story.
Further information is available on the Council’s project webpage.
 Image Description: Penrith Wild Play Days 2026 Poster.
Families across Penrith are invited to enjoy a summer of outdoor fun as Penrith Wild Play Days return during the school holidays, with two further free family activity days still to take place across the town following a successful event at Thacka Beck Field on Friday 31 July 2026, which saw a great turnout of local children, young people and families.
Delivered by Penrith Town Council in partnership with Stomping Ground and local organisations, including BlueJam Arts, The Outside Club, My Community Penrith and Eden Valley Artistic Network, the free sessions will offer opportunities for children, young people and families to enjoy creative play, games, crafts, music and outdoor activities in Penrith’s parks and open spaces.
The Penrith Wild Play Days programme forms part of Penrith Town Council’s commitment to supporting free, family-friendly activities and making the most of the town’s green spaces during the summer holidays.
The events will take place between 11am and 2pm on the following dates:
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Friday 7 August – Fairhill Playing Field, Townhead (At the top of Salkeld Road)
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Friday 14 August – Castletown Recreation Ground (Bottom of Mill Street)
Each event will feature free games and craft activities, with different partners helping to provide a varied programme of music, play and creative activities across days. Families are welcome to drop in and join the fun.
Cllr Barbara Jayson, Chair of Penrith Town Council’s Communities Committee, said:
“It is fantastic to see Penrith Wild Play Days returning for the 2026 summer holidays.
“Last year’s sessions were a great success, with more than 200 young people taking part at Fairhill and Thacka Beck Field respectively. Bringing a third event to the town this Summer shows the success of the events and means even more families will have the chance to enjoy free, creative outdoor play close to where they live.
“As Penrith Town Council Ward Councillor for Penrith West, I am especially pleased that Castletown is included in this year’s programme. My thanks go to Wetheriggs United and Westmorland & Furness Council for allowing us to use this space for the activity. These events are a great way to support families during the school holidays, giving children and young people the chance to enjoy free, creative activities in their local community.”
All activities are free to attend and no booking is required. Families are encouraged to walk to the events where possible.
Further information is available from the Penrith Arts and Culture website.
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 Image Description: Penrith May Day 2026.
Penrith Town Council has been notified that Penrith has not been shortlisted for the next stage of the Government’s Town of Culture 2028 programme. The inaugural competition attracted 398 applications from across the UK, with 15 towns selected for the shortlist. Although the town will not progress further in the competition, the bid has already helped to build stronger local partnerships, generate fresh ideas and create new momentum for future cultural activity in Penrith.
Penrith’s bid was built around the themes of place, people and purpose. Informed by existing partnerships and engagement with local creative and cultural organisations, it set out a vision for a year-long cultural programme shaped by the town’s heritage, landscape, creative communities and civic life. The bid focused on making culture more visible and easier to access, using Penrith’s streets, parks, venues, shopfronts and public spaces to bring people together and celebrate the town’s stories, skills and creativity.
It also explored how arts and culture could support wider community needs, including town centre vitality, wellbeing, social connection, volunteering, skills development and opportunities for young people and early-career creatives. Ideas included new town centre events, pop-up exhibitions, have-a-go workshops, walking routes, heritage storytelling, creative commissions and activities that encourage residents, visitors, community groups and local businesses to take part.
Councillor Val Bowen, Chair of Penrith Town Council and Mayor of Penrith, said:
“While we are naturally disappointed that Penrith has not been shortlisted, we should also be proud of the strength of the bid and the ambition it showed for our town. With 398 applications submitted and only 15 selected for the shortlist, this was an extremely competitive process.
“The process has still been extremely worthwhile. It has brought new energy to conversations about arts and culture in Penrith, strengthened the Town Council’s Arts and Culture Group and reminded us that the work our communities are doing has real value. We now want to build on that momentum by bringing more organisations and community groups together, widening participation and celebrating the creativity that already exists across Penrith. I would encourage anyone who wants to be involved to come forward and help us make Penrith shine.”
To find out more about Penrith’s arts and culture network and how to get involved, please visit: https://penrithartsandculture.co.uk/
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Council Support Officer - £29,064 to £31,022, 37 Hours (Closing Date: 12 noon, 12 August 2026)
Are you organised, proactive and ready to make a real difference in your community?
Penrith Town Council is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Council Support Officer.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong administrative and IT skills who is looking to build a long-term career in local government. We are seeking a team player with good local knowledge, excellent communication skills and the ability to manage a varied and busy workload.
In this role, you will play a key part in supporting the delivery of Council services, helping ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the Council while assisting colleagues, councillors, partners and members of the public.
Following successful completion of your probationary period, you will have access to training, mentoring and professional development opportunities, including sector-specific qualifications, to support your career progression in local government.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 12 August 2026.
Interviews will be held on 20 August 2026.
Applications MUST be submitted by email to office@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk with ‘JOB APPLICATION’ in the subject line.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Town Council on 01768 899 773 or email townclerk@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk.
For more detailed information about this role, please visit the Penrith Town Council website.
 Image Description: Sounds Around Town Poster.
Penrith Town Council, in collaboration with Plug & Play, Eden Valley Artistic Network (EVAN), has funded and arranged for bands / artists to play across the Summer months around Penrith as part of the Sounds Around Town initiative.
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.
Sounds Around Town 2026 is now drawing to a close, with just three bands / artists left to play:
- 8 Aug 2026, Bandstand, Squeezebox
- 15 Aug 2026, Bandstand, Acoustic Vandals
- 22 Aug 2026, Gt Dockray, Streetbeats
All bands / artists play around 2pm and finish on or before 4pm. Check those acts out if you're in and around the town centre on any of those dates!
Popular Thacka Beck Field Path Repaired for Residents
 Image Description: Thacka Beck Field Path Repair.
Penrith Town Council has carried out repairs to the path at Thacka Beck Field to help keep it safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone who uses the space.
Since opening in late 2022, the path has proved extremely popular, providing an accessible route through the field and making it easier for people to enjoy the area throughout the year. As part of the recent works, sections of the path have had the underlying sub-base rebuilt to improve its long-term resilience. Further dressing of the path surface will also take place in due course to help maintain the quality of the route and ensure it remains comfortable to use.
Thacka Beck Field continues to be well used by residents for walking, running, dog walking and relaxing outdoors, particularly during the summer months. These improvements will help ensure the path remains in good condition and continues to be a valued part of this important community green space for years to come.
 Image Description: Committed2Rock playing at the Penrith Playhouse.
The Mayor of Penrith, Cllr Val Bowen, was pleased to attend Penrith Lions’ 50th anniversary celebration, held at Penrith Playhouse.
The event brought people together for an afternoon of music and celebration, with entertainment from Committed2Rock and support from Penrith Players, Lions members and local supporters who helped make the occasion possible.
As part of the celebration, the Mayor gave a short speech thanking Penrith Lions for 50 years of dedicated voluntary service, fundraising and support for the community.
Penrith Town Council congratulates Penrith Lions on this milestone anniversary and thanks the club for its continued commitment to making a difference in the community.
 Image Description: Back – L to R: Cllr Barbara Jayson (Penrith Town Council Deputy Mayor), Owen Sharp (CEO Dogs Trust plus his rescue dog)
Front – L to R: Mrs Jane Hassell-McCosh (Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria), Janet Collinson one of our dedicated supporters, Sophie Lloyd (British Rock Guitarist with her dog she adopted from Cumbria)
Penrith Town Council's Deputy Mayor, Barbara Jayson, attended the official opening of the new Dogs Trust Community Hub in Middlegate on Saturday 18 July.
The Hub is the first of its kind for Dogs Trust and offers a range of support and information for dog owners, including rehoming, fostering and volunteering opportunities. The opening welcomed local residents and partners to learn more about the charity's work and the services available within the community.
The Council was pleased to support the event and wishes the Dogs Trust team every success with this new venture in Penrith.
Find out more about Dogs Trust Cumbria on Facebook.
Free Adult Learning Courses and Advice Sessions
Penrith Adult Learning has a range of free opportunities available for residents this summer and autumn, including courses to support employability, confidence, wellbeing and mindfulness.
Courses include Preparing for Employment, Seeking Employment, Building Confidence and Self-Esteem with Positive Thinking, and online Introducing Mindfulness workshops. Free advice and information sessions are also taking place at Penrith Library, where residents can meet the team, pick up the new 2026/27 course brochure and get help choosing or enrolling on a course.
There are also free family learning Storybox and craft sessions taking place across the Penrith and Eden area during August.
For more information, visit Adult Learning Cumbria, email penrithadultlearning@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk or call 07468 709606.
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 28 September 2026
- Time: 6pm - 8pm
- Venue: Board Room, Unit 1 Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Planning Committee:
- Date: Monday 7 September 2026
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Unit 2, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Finance Committee:
- Date: Monday 14 September 2026
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Board Room, Unit 1 Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Communities Committee:
- Date: Monday 21 September 2026
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Boardroom, Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
For more information, please visit the Penrith Town Council website.
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