The festive season will be in full swing in Cockermouth this weekend as Taste Cumbria Christmas returns to the town for a second year.

The festival promises to be a feast for all the senses with a producers’ market, a live music stage, free demonstrations from local chefs and plenty of food and drink tomorrow and Sunday.

There will also be inspiration for those who want to decorate their houses for Christmas, with crafts and homeware alongside the food and drink. Main Street stalls will be open from 10am to 4pm.

Town businesses will join in the fun. Cockermouth Kitchen Company in Market Place will host expert demos, starting at 11am each day, while Jennings Brewery will provide real ale in Main Street marquees.

Shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants will be full of seasonal cheer, with special offers and festive treats.

Festival organiser Marie Whitehead, director of CN Events, said: “The town’s fantastic independent shops and eateries will be joining in the fun.

“As well as staging a great food festival, we hope there will be a fabulous street party atmosphere right throughout the town.”

Andy Walsh, of The Coffee Kitchen Bakery, will run the Grub Club, a children’s workshop, from 3pm on both days.

The festival is organised in association with Allerdale council and Cumbria Life.