CARLISLE’S inaugural Hawker Festival has received a mixed reaction from News & Star readers.

The city looked like it did before Covid this weekend as crowds gathered in English Street to enjoy the event.

In bright sunshine, hundreds mingled freely, revelling in the chance to socialise and enjoy live music, seemingly oblivious to any lingering fears about growing threat of covid’s new ‘Delta’ variant.

Not everybody thought the Carlisle City Council organised event was a good idea. But those who flocked to English Street for the festival were thrilled to have what looked like normality back in their lives as they visited food stalls, sipped drinks, or simply stood to enjoy the live music.

Some readers welcomed the festival and posted on Facebook. Niki Foster wrote: “It was a fantastic day, I think this is just what the city centre needs, to bring life back to it.

“Would love to see something like this on a monthly if not more frequent basis, showcasing local produce and local bands.

"It had the feel of how Carlisle town centre used to be many moons ago.”

Tracy Robson added: “Had a fantastic time on Saturday, was a lovely atmosphere around the town,” and Liz Walsh replied: “Fab weekend, thoroughly enjoyed it – good to see live music again, and life back in the city centre.”

Kathy Scott agreed, writing: “This is something the council could put on monthly. There are lots of small business that would attend if it was opened up to more than food, drink and plants! I think we should lobby the council to do so.”

But Debs Hotson was concerned. She said: “Wonder how happy everyone will be when we are on lockdown again. As far as I'm concerned every single guideline was breached so thank you everyone for being so very selfish.”

Dani Portsmouth added: “Only a few (stalls) were local and most came from Manchester,” and Tracey Watson added: “We needed local bars!”

A number of people on social media had earlier expressed concern about the close mixing and lack of social distancing among many in the crowd.