Business owners in Cockermouth are looking forward to a bumper boost to trade when the Northbound street party hits town tomorrow.

Last year’s free festival left a smile on traders’ faces as it pumped more than £320,000 into the town’s economy, following a devastating few months after Storm Desmond.

And businesses are hoping for a re-run this weekend as thousands of people are expected to flock to the town.

Chris William, landlord at The Bush, is preparing for a busy day and night.

“The event last year brought much-needed footfall to the town which obviously contributed to the continuous recovery after the flooding of 2015,” he said.

“This year is no different as we try to recover from the dreaded roadworks that lasted so long and had such a negative impact on trade in the town.”

The event switched from a field-based festival to the town centre last summer to aid Cockermouth’s flood recovery.

And it was so successful – drawing in around 7,500 party-goers – that organisers CN Events have decided to stick with the same approach tomorrow, supported by Allerdale council which has contributed £25,000.

Marie Whitehead, director of CN Events, said she hoped Northbound would be another fantastic event for the town and West Cumbria.

“It’s great that Allerdale council decided to support the event again this year,” she said.

“The feedback last year from businesses, particularly those in the nighttime economy, was amazing. Some were reporting their best takings of the year.

“It was just brilliant to see the town’s streets packed out. The bands were excellent, there were children playing and people dancing in front of the stage, families picnicing and the pubs were buzzing.

“I hope this year’s event will be just as good – all we need now is the weather!”

Jonty Chippendale, owner of The Toy Shop on Main Street, is also anticipating a successful day.

“We support any initiative that brings the public into the high street,” he said. “It almost certainly will bring in more trade, both on the day and as a legacy.”

Mr Chippendale added that it would also put the emphasis on community participation, rather than commerce, which in the long run would be a great benefit.

“Only when the public feel ownership of their high streets can they be asked to show loyalty to those same streets when making their day-to-day purchases,” he said. “High streets are a community resource and should be the hub of local life in all sorts of wonderful ways.”

The free day of fun features two stages, food stalls, street theatre and children’s amusements.

Allerdale councillor Mark Fryer, who is responsible for economic growth, said he was delighted the event was returning.

“The event brought many people into the town centre following the floods and had a huge impact on the local economy, and I’m positive this year will be no different,” he said.

The main event will run between 11am and 8pm, followed by ‘after parties’ taking place in bars and pubs.

The packed line-up of family entertainment and will feature a main stage with some well known local bands, an acoustic stage, picnic area, kids activities run by Rainbow Jelly Productions and a bar from local brewery Tractor Shed Brewing.

The music bill sees eclectic Cumbrian favourites Dansi, fresh from their appearance at Kendal Calling, alongside Fading Face, Mojo Rising, Luke Matear, Flick, Harrison and the Low Keys, with more to be announced.