Last updated at 11:50, Friday, 23 November 2012

Cockermouth's Midsummer Festival will be scaled back to a single weekend because fewer volunteers are available to organise events.

The change also avoids a clash of dates with the popular Whitehaven Maritime Festival which has moved to the midsummer weekend.

Organisers have decided to incorporate the best elements of last year’s festival into a single weekend.

The festival will take place between May 31 and June 2.

Around 15 volunteers were responsible for the event with further people volunteering and stewarding throughout the week.

However, five of those have had to step down because of other commitments.

Gilli Goodfellow, of the festival committee, said: “It is a lot of work for the organising committee and some people just did not have the time.

“However, we have got the best elements of last year and we are just hoping for good weather but we have indoor venues in the event of any rain-offs.

“This is very much a stop-gap year and we will see how well it goes before deciding how to move forward.”

The United Reformed Church, Christ Church and the Kirkgate Centre will be used as indoor venues.

Cockermouth Live!, featuring live acts, will be part of the festival and there will be a midsummer picnic, performances from local musicians, shows for children, a comedy night and a dance gig.

A slideshow of old Cockermouth will be held earlier in the year to raise funds.

Last year’s festival ran from June 15 to June 23 and incorporated the annual town carnival and Olympic torch visit.

First published at 10:55, Friday, 23 November 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk