The initiative, which started in 2019, sees HMV open their doors to unsigned artists, inviting them to perform at their local HMV stores. It also offers artists an opportunity to have their CDs and vinyls available for purchase in the shop.  

Workington Christmas Market will feature six up-and-coming local artists as well as the Carnegie Choir during the weekend of the 18 and 19 December. 

Saturday’s live music will kick off at 1pm with Bert Wilson, who is inspired by pop from the 80’s and 00’s mixed with heavy rock of the 2010’s. Then NewtonSmith who are an energetic Folk/Rock/Americana duo from Egremont, will take to the stage. The day will be rounded off by Indie Street Club, who have played all over England and enjoyed much airtime on BBC Introducing.  

At 1pm, Mel Clapham and her powerful vocals will start Sunday off with upbeat, energetic performances of sing-along covers and original songs. She’ll be followed by dynamic rock quartet, Religion of Tomorrow, hailing from Whitehaven and Urban Natives who formed during lockdown and opened the main stage at Solfest 2021.

The Carnegie Choir will also be performing on both days from midday until 1pm. 

Russ Withey, HMV Cumbria Manager, said: “HMV Live and Local is an initiative which allows us to showcase some of the region’s up-and-coming artists with live in-store performances and also by stocking their releases on our shelves. 

“We have hand-picked some of the new talent that Cumbria has to offer for this year’s Workington Christmas Market and we’re really looking forward to seeing the buzz that is created in the town centre.” 

Cllr Mike Johnson, Leader of the Council, said: “This will be a great event for Workington, with these performances providing a welcome musical backdrop for shoppers out doing their last minute Christmas shopping. I’d like to thank everyone involved in the organisation – especially HMV – and I encourage people to come along and enjoy the festive atmosphere.”  

The Christmas event will also have a producers’ market, a festive bar, fairground rides, and a social village showcasing local outreach organisations offering face-to-face advice to whoever needs it. These will be open on Saturday 10am – 5pm, and on Sunday 10am – 4pm.

The Workington Christmas Market is organised by Allerdale Borough Council, sponsored by Cumbria County Council and Sovereign Centros and supported by the Carnegie Theatre and HMV.