Final rehearsals, instrument tuning and vocal exercises are under way for what the organisers says will be the biggest and best ever Cockermouth Live! this weekend.

The largely free festival celebrates the wealth of musical and other artistic talent in and around Cockermouth and dates back to 2010 when a Midsummer Festival was put on as part of the town’s recovery from the devastating floods of November 2009.

More than 500 amateur performers will be taking part, as well as three ticketed headline acts.

The 14th Cockermouth Live! is from Friday (June 30) until Sunday (July 2). A new committee has pulled out all the stops to build on the great festivals of the past, extending this year’s event into a full day on Sunday for the first time.

"Rather than build a festival site in an empty field, the emphasis has always been on animating the town itself," said one of the team, Tom Speight.

Twelve different venues are being used this year, from pubs, cafes, shops and churches to Wordsworth House, the Kirkgate Arts Centre and the castle.

“It’s a festival by and for all ages," said Tom.

"The strapline 'A weekend of music, inspiration and family fun' captures the spirit but not the diversity of what the festival offers.

"As well as music there’s poetry, theatre, both on and off the streets, and visual art. Over 500 amateur performers will contribute to the weekend’s entertainment."

The festival is organised by a volunteer team of experienced enthusiasts with the support of volunteer stewards.

"We’re hugely grateful to all of the venues, our sponsors and supporters who make this community thing happen," said Tom.

"Historically the festival has taken place largely on the Saturday. This year there will be much more on the Sunday too, allowing the festival to 'breathe' a little more.”

https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/23607178.old-new-councillors-clash-heated-cockermouth-meeting/

Eight-piece Manchester reggae band Edward II, singer songwriter Boo Hewerdine with Scottish singer songwriter Jill Jackson, and performance poet Rowan McCabe are the three ticketed headline acts for this year. They will all be at the Kirkgate Centre.

The festival weekend will be rounded off with a concert by the 40-strong Cockermouth Community Orchestra, accompanied in part by the 30-strong community groups Wild Chorus and Sing Owt.

Tickets for the orchestra concert can be bought at Billy Bowman’s Music Shop.Full scedule at www.cockermouthfestival.org