The main focus of the weekend is the festive market. It takes place on Main Street and promises to be packed with loads of lovely things to eat and drink, plenty of unique gifts and homewares, and entertainment for all the family. 

There will also be hot food to eat on the street, and live music from local performers on the acoustic stage. Family activities will include a fairground and children’s arty workshops. 

Add in the town’s wealth of independent businesses, amid some of the prettiest Christmas lights in the county, and visitors are guaranteed to find perfect festive shopping on every street. 

Those who want to spoil themselves with a meal out could book in to one of the town’s pubs or restaurants, or join the Taste Cumbria Supper Club. This took place for the first time at the flagship festival in September and was a sell out. Tickets are due to go on sale in November.

The event is organised by Allerdale Borough Council and Council Leader Mike Johnson said: “Whether you want to tuck in to mince pies and mulled wine, or find the perfect presents for the loved ones in your life, Taste Cumbria Christmas has it all. 

“We say it every year but there is no need to get swamped by the crowds in the big city Christmas markets. You can browse the festival stalls and Cockermouth’s shops, stop for a bite to eat in the cafes and pubs, and treat yourself to something sparkly and special, right here in Cumbria.

“We’ve already staged three fabulous Taste Cumbria festivals this year, in Wigton, Maryport and Cockermouth, and we will always shout loudly about the ‘shop local’ message. Boosting the Allerdale economy is a big part of what the Council does and this promises to be a great end to the 2022 events calendar.”

This year’s Taste Cumbria Christmas is supported by Allerdale Borough Council, Cockermouth Chamber of Trade and Cockermouth Town Council. For the full festival line-up, visit www.visitallerdale.co.uk/taste-cumbria-home

For more information about Taste Cumbria email ellie.jones@allerdale.gov.uk.