PEOPLE in Carlisle will be encouraged to be fit, healthy and happy when a large-scale festival is staged focussing on keeping Cumbrians well.

Stalls offering advice on improving lifestyles and health will line the city centre in an effort to help people look after themselves.

It comes in the wake of a rise in certain conditions as people live longer as well as publicised pressures on the NHS.

A bike producing smoothies, as well as advice on cooking, therapy and exercise, will be among the attractions.

Preparations are underway for Carlisle Community Health Mela on May 13 after funding of £9,000 was granted to ensure its success.

The event is organised by Carlisle’s Rotarians in partnership with the Sustainable Carlisle organisation.

It was held for the first time last May and was declared a resounding success as hundreds of people flocked to hear from health organisations and wellbeing groups.

One of the organisers Kevin Walsh, a member of the Rotary Club of Brampton and Longtown, said: “We know that a lot of people don’t go to their GPs regularly enough and we also know that because of the state of the NHS at the moment we need to encourage people to look after themselves better than perhaps they have done.

“A lot of the issue is about self-assessment and looking after oneself better.

“The more advice and support we can give people for that, the better.”

People will be able to find out about practical and alternative ways in which they can improve lifestyles and health.

Last year there were more than 40 tents in English Street, in the city centre, where people could speak to organisations.

Activities including health and wellbeing advice and support, healthy food and cooking, gardening, listening therapies, exercise, entertainment and music are all in the offering.

Booking is now open to stallholders who want to take part in the festival.

The Happy Mum’s Foundation, Diabetes UK and the Cardiac Smart team are among those who have already signed up.

Last year there was a Laughter Yoga Playshop.

There are also plans to give people the opportunity to have a health MOT and rotary representatives are working with local health professionals to assess how this aspect of the day will best be provided.

Rotarians are also working with schools to arrange competitions related to health and wellbeing and are linking up with sports and exercise groups to arrange activities for the day.

Funding of £5,000 was granted by Cumbria Community Foundation, while a further £4,000 has come from the county council’s public health grants budget.

The event is also supported by Carlisle City Council’s Healthy City Initiative.