Each of the four events this year – in Wigton, Maryport and Cockermouth – will have a new Young Entrepreneurs’ Market with free stalls for those who are just starting out. There will also be a grand Cake Off competition to allow brilliant bakers to create their best work.

Taste Cumbria festivals are the biggest and best events in the county’s foodie calendar. This year they begin in Wigton on Saturday 23 April. There will be a producers’ market and hot food court on Water Street car park, treasure hunts and a children's activity village with the Rainbow Wishes Foundation in the Market Hall. 

The producers’ market will be full of Cumbrian businesses selling everything from bread and cheese to boozy treats and foodie gifts. There will also be cooking demonstrations in the Taste Cumbria marquee with some fabulous local chefs, as well as an outdoor picnic area with live music all day. 

And there is more to the festival than just food. There'll be a free talk with Wigton-based author and photographer Trevor Grahamslaw and art workshops to create a giant mural, building on the success of the street art sessions which happened at Taste Cumbria in Wigton last year.

Taste Cumbria Wigton will be followed by Taste Cumbria in Maryport on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August. 

The events in Maryport and Wigton will be followed by the flagship festival, Taste Cumbria in Cockermouth on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September, then Taste Cumbria Christmas on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December, also in Cockermouth. 

Trader pitches are now available for the Producers’ and Young Entrepreneurs’ Markets and hot food courts at each of the events. Visit www.visitallerdale.co.uk/taste-cumbria-home/
to apply. For more information email ellie.jones@allerdale.gov.uk. Priority will be given to Cumbrian producers, but the organisers welcome inquiries from other areas.

The Young Entrepreneurs Markets are open to those aged 16 to 25 who have a new small independent business or who make, bake and create as an aside to school or college. 

The Taste Cumbria food festivals are organised by Allerdale Borough Council. Council leader Councillor Mike Johnson said: “We've got a fabulous calendar of events happening in Allerdale this year and it’s great to see how they are being expanded with even more attractions. 

“I hope that everyone gets out on the streets and supports our small businesses. Please enjoy these festivals and use them as a reason to get together with your family and friends, as well as giving a great boost to our lovely town centres.”

The full list of Taste Cumbria dates for your diary:

Wigton – Saturday 23 April 2022
Maryport – Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 August 2022
Cockermouth – Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 September 2022
Christmas in Cockermouth – Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 December 2022