A free street party brought a £400,000 boost to Cockermouth's businesses.

Around 10,000 headed to Main Street and the town's pubs on Saturday for the family-friendly event and after-parties, organised by CN Events and supported by Allerdale council.

Marie Whitehead, director of CN Events, said: "This year's Northbound was a huge success, with nearly 10,000 people turning up to enjoy the fun, an increase of 25 per cent on last year. The economic benefit was also up on 2017 with just over £400,000 direct benefit to the town.

"The feedback from pubs, businesses, tourists and locals has been phenomenal and we are already planning for more of the same in 2018.

"Huge thanks to Allerdale council for supporting another great event in the area."

Following the floods in December 2015, the event was organised to draw people to the high street to showcase the shops and businesses in the popular market town. The first event was held last year.

Chris Williams, owner at The Bush which hosted live music for the festival, said: "It was a very successful event, very enjoyable and with a good atmosphere.

"We were really busy on the night, busier than a normal Saturday evening. It's something that we are looking forward to happening again, the town really needs events like this and it would be great if we could have them more often throughout the year. It does help us recover.

"Northbound is great for the town and it was lovely to see Cockermouth buzzing again."

Andy Walsh, owner at The Coffee Kitchen, said: "It was a fantastic day and the weather was as near as perfect as we could get. There were lots of people staying in the town and going into the pubs afterwards."

Jonty Chippendale, owner at The Toy Shop, said: "There were different people coming to Cockermouth so although as a business we were as busy as we normally are, there were different groups of customers coming in which is good.
"I had a great time. It reminded me of the street party we had after the 2009 floods which showed our great community spirit. It's important to remember that Main Street doesn't just belong to the shops, it's a community space.

"It these events benefit the shops it's all good and well but it's about sharing a community space.

"I was out and about until 11pm having a great time and all the pubs seemed packed. Pubs have had it even harder in the last few years and anything that can bring people back into the pubs is most welcome. That's how communities are built."

Alan Smith, leader of Allerdale council and a Cockermouth town councillor, said: "Northbound has once again proved to be a fantastic success. The town was buzzing. It was great to be part of this free community event that also provides huge benefits for the local economy.

"Northbound is the kind of event that the council will continue to support to ensure our town centres are thriving and appealing for local people and visitors."