The Taste Cumbria festival of 2024 returned to Wigton for its fourth year, attracting thousands of visitors.

Bathed in sunshine, visitors browsed the producers’ market and tucked into hot food and cold drinks from the visiting traders and town’s eateries, as well as watching live music and some fun family entertainment. 

New to this year's event was a youth market, where under-21s from west Cumbria displayed and offered for sale their own art, crafts, vintage clothes and upcycled furniture.

Times and Star: Bella Tweddle from Wigton got arty with Beardy SynergyBella Tweddle from Wigton got arty with Beardy Synergy (Image: TasteCumbria/Tom Kay)

The festival kicked off with a Wine and Cheese Night at The Barista tapas bar on High Street.

The complementary drinks were provided by Shill’s of Cockermouth and cheese by the Torpenhow Dairy.

On Saturday evening, ITV Border’s Kate Walby was in conversation with the best-selling author Helen Rebanks at Cornerstone Methodist Church.

Helen was discussing her book, The Farmer’s Wife, and life on her farm in Matterdale.

Times and Star: Author Helen Rebanks and television presenter Kate Walby Author Helen Rebanks and television presenter Kate Walby (Image: TasteCumbria/Tom Kay)

Mayor of Wigton Christopher Scott said how 'fantastic' Wigton was on the Saturday. 

"The sun was out and so was everyone," he said. 

"It was a day filled with laughter, good food, and great company.

"Wigton was buzzing with excitement as locals and tourists alike enjoyed the warm weather and the delicious flavours that the town had to offer," he said. 

Times and Star: Logan & Lacie Waite from Blennerhasset tucked inLogan & Lacie Waite from Blennerhasset tucked in (Image: TasteCumbria/Tom Kay)

The Mayor praised the presence of charities throughout the event, 'serving as a reminder of the importance of community and inclusivity'. 

Councillor Anne Quilter, executive member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said: “We were absolutely blessed with the weather for Taste Cumbria in Wigton and it really brought a smile to people’s faces.

“We’ve had such fabulous feedback from our festival goers and I can’t wait to see that continue as we head into our other events this year.

Times and Star: Lumi Constantinescu from Workington makes The Jolly Chimney cakesLumi Constantinescu from Workington makes The Jolly Chimney cakes (Image: Taste Cumbria/Tom Kay)

"We want our town centres to thrive and be filled with life and our events play a huge part in that.

"Thank you to everyone involved in Taste Cumbria Wigton, and to the public for all their support," she said. 

The Taste Cumbria events are organised by Cumberland Council. 

Times and Star: Torpenhow Dairy sold cheese & their new gelatoTorpenhow Dairy sold cheese & their new gelato (Image: Taste Cumbria/Tom Kay)

The next Taste Cumbria event, the Taste of the Sea festival, will take place in Maryport on August 10 and 11, followed by the flagship Taste Cumbria festival in Cockermouth on September 28 and 29.

The year will conclude with Taste Cumbria Christmas on December 7 and 8, also in Cockermouth.

To find out more, you can visit www.visitallerdale.co.uk/taste-cumbria-home