By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 09:38, Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Writer and broadcaster Stuart Maconie is heading to Cockermouth to launch a celebration of its literary history – and award-winning food and drink.

Stuart Maconie

He is coming to the town next month to spearhead the ‘Cockermouth Weekender’ in which he will host a food and beer event with local beer experts Neil Bowness and Jeff Pickthall at the riverside Trout Hotel.

It will be followed by a feast of local goodies, washed down with a host of local ales, including some from Jennings.

There will then be a ‘Secret Ramble’ throughout Cockermouth’s independent galleries, historic houses and shops, following trails featuring poetry, art and the spoken word.

The ramble will be followed by a ‘Cumbrian Conversation’ at the Kirkgate Centre where Stuart will lift the lid on the people, places and events which have shaped Cockermouth’s character, from poet William Wordsworth, to the mutineer Fletcher Christian, to one of the founders of modern science, John Dalton, who developed the atomic theory of matter.

The Weekender concludes on Sunday morning with a walk with Stuart, guided by local shepherdess Alison O’Neill, exploring the town’s quieter pathways and secret spots, then a night of music with folk musician Jon Boden, on the Kirkgate stage.

• The Cockermouth Weekender takes place on March 8, 9 and 10 with a range of special accommodation prices for those attending. For more information and to book tickets see www.golakes.co.uk/cumbriacontemporary.

First published at 09:32, Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk