Taste Cumbria festival, the flagship food and drink extravaganza, is set to make a comeback in Cockermouth.

The festival will kick off with a launch event on the night of Friday, September 22, with the main event taking place on September 23-24.

Main Street will host the Producers' Market, while the Memorial Gardens Car Park will have a drinks tent, live music stage, picnic area, and fairground.

Various other attractions will also be available throughout the town, with local businesses participating.

One of the festival's highlights is the Supper Club, featuring renowned chef Alec Anderson from Takeaway@Home, a West Cumbria-based eatery.

Anderson will be preparing a locally-sourced feast at Cockermouth Cricket Club on Friday night.

Another exclusive event is the Cocktail Masterclass, presented by Cumbria Distilling Co, which will take place at Cockermouth Kitchen Company in Market Place on Saturday evening.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can watch food and drink experts demonstrate their skills in the Taste Cumbria Demo Kitchen.

These demonstrations are free, and attendees will have the opportunity to sample the dishes.

The Producers' Market will offer a diverse array of local products on Main Street, while Market Place will be transformed into a lively street party.

The Memorial Gardens drinks tent will feature live music from local acts curated by Rock With.

There will be children's activities organised by the Rainbow Wishes Foundation in The Vicky shared workspace, alongside street theatre performances.

Cumberland Council organises Taste Cumbria, with backing from Cockermouth Town Council, The Coffee Kitchen Bakery, Tractor Shed Brewing, Cockermouth Cricket Club, Strolling4Shoes, Lloyd BMW, Rock With, and Newsquest Cumbria.

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said: “It’s going to be great to see Taste Cumbria back in Cockermouth, the town where these festivals first began. Last year’s event brought almost £2 million into the local economy which is great news for the county. This year’s showcase promises to be another great weekend. Come along and enjoy the best food and drink.”

For more information, email: danni.armstrong@cumberland.gov.uk.

After the September festival, another fun event, Taste Cumbria Christmas, will take place in Cockermouth on December 9 and 10.