Cockermouth pubs hailed the Northbound Festival as a huge success and hope it will become a regular event.

The free street party on Saturday was laid on by council chiefs to mark the town’s flood recovery.

There were two stages on the town’s Main Street, food stalls, street artists and children’s amusements.

Pubs hosted bands in the evening.

Jeff Shield, who took over at The Brown Cow, on Main Street, with his wife Sonia in March last year, said: “It was the busiest day we have ever had – by double!

“We had plastic glasses so people could take them outside and enjoy everything that was going on and we got through 2,000.

“Mojo Rising played in here in the evening and were absolutely fantastic. We have booked them to play again.

“It was so good for the town and I would definitely support it happening again.”

A few doors away, The Bush had one of its busiest days of the year.

Landlady Nicola Bankcroft said: “It was really good. We had plastic glasses so people could take them outside and listen to the bands.

“The whole thing was great for the town. Everyone was having a good time.

“Friction played here in the evening and were brilliant. It was one of the busiest nights we have had this year. This is something that should happen again.”

Sean Cusack, who owns the Castle Bar in Market Place, said: “It was a bit quiet during the day as all the action was at the other end of town but we had a busy night. We had a couple of acoustic acts who were great.

“The event was good for the town. I’d like to see it happening again, with more local businesses involved.”

Jodie Hetherington and Steve Shaw took over at The Kingfisher Inn on Crown Street eight weeks ago.

Jodie said: “We had our busiest day on the Saturday. It was really busy during the day and we did lots of food.

“We had Fading Face playing here in the evening. They were absolutely amazing.”

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See photos from Northbound here