Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November 2025
Thousands of people ate, drank, danced and enjoyed a weekend of family fun at the second Taste Cumbria festival in Carlisle.
Held in the Cathedral grounds and the newly-transformed Greenmarket, the event saw nearly 50 producers selling their wares, with lots of local performers also appearing on the music stage.
The two-day event was part of the Carlisle Fireshow celebrations and plans are already being made to return to the city in 2026.
This year’s event received positive feedback from traders who say they’re looking forward to future festivals. Kim Anson, from Carlisle-based KAH Ceramics, said: “It is nice to have lots of local artisans together. You can speak to the artists that actually made the products.”
Mike Fell from Bois de Vivre at Crosby on Eden added: “It’s my second year here and it’s been fabulous. There are lots of people here, sales have been good. I really hope they invite me back next year.”
The Taste Cumbria events are organised by Cumberland Council and bring millions of pounds into the Cumberland economy through all the events, which include Cockermouth, Maryport and Wigton. The weekend’s events in Carlisle were supported by the UK Government using UKSPF funding.
Councillor Anne Quilter is the Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places at Cumberland Council. She said: “Taste Carlisle just gets bigger and better and I can’t wait to see how it can expand again in 2026.
“The newly-regenerated city centre spaces are perfect for events like this and will encourage even more footfall which is positive for everyone.
“Thank you to everyone who came and supported Taste Carlisle – the producers, the visitors, the musicians and entertainers, and our brilliant event staff who make Taste Cumbria such a success.”
Acantha Crystals – Ethically-sourced crystals
All Things Nice by Ashley – Bespoke resin gifts and jewellery
Bois de Vivre – Handcrafted wooden gifts from Crosby on Eden
Bowes Dairy Produce – Cheese gift boxes & hampers
Daisy Design – Engraved gifts & homewares
The Doggy Deli – Natural dog treats
Fable and Moon Jewellery – handmade jewellery inspired by nature
FellBar Cumbria – Fresh home-baked flapjack oat bars
The Flying Chocsman – Colourful chocolates, handmade in Cumbria
Fresh Olives – Olives and antipasti
Gan Yam Brewery – Small batch beers from Shap
Go Your Own Way Apparel – Art, accessories and more, crafted in the Lake District
Hallsford Catering – Suppliers of top quality lamb, beef and pork
Jinger Drinks – Organic ginger drinks
KAH Ceramics – Handmade studio pottery, created in Carlisle
Kick-Ass Cheese – Family-run business famed for its strong cheddar
Kin Vodka – Hand blended toffee vodka from the heart of the Lakes
Lake District Posters – 1930s style railway posters with a contemporary twist
Manor Barn Organics – Candles & homewares
Mr Vikkis – Award-winning spiced chutneys and sauces
Muckle Brewing – Small batch naturally carbonated beers
Nook Farm Honey – Clear honey & honeycomb, unique to north east Cumbria
Pie Demand – Eat pie, be happy
Really Indian – Handcrafted fresh sauces
Rin Tin Thai – Restaurant quality Thai cuisine
The Rolling Pub – The quirky family-run bar
Shaw Meats – Premium meats and game
Sipping Fox – The Lake District drinks company, wines, spirits & hampers
Jo’s Little People – Individually-crafted clay collectables
The Smokery – Meat & fish from HMP Haverigg’s smokery
Stonehouse Smokery – Artisan curers, smokers & roasters
Sunrise Patisserie – Gorgeous Portuguese treats
Sweet Treats by Martin Frickel – Handmade brownies, banging blondies & more
The Victorian Candle Co – Pure soy candles, handmade in Carlisle
Waffling On – Delectable sweet and savoury waffles
Warwick Bridge Cornmill & Bakery – Artisan breads & baked goods
Wiga Wagaa – Handmade, award-winning chilli products
Wilde Bakes – Brownies, blondies, cupcakes & biscuits
Wilmot’s Amusements – Fairground rides
The Yolker – Handmade gourmet Scotch eggs
Yummi by Lucy – Cakes, cookies and brownies
The Zero Pantry – All your pantry needs and cleaning products, free of plastic
Live Music
Saturday 1st November
10-10:45 – Char
11:00am – 11:45 -Stephen Dunn
12:00 – 12:45 – Thomas & Joe
13:00- 13:45 – Phil Lewthwaite
14:00 – 14:45 – Phonix Duo
15:00- 15:45 – Kerry Weir
16:00 – 16:45 – Stonevale
Sunday 2nd November
11:00am – 11:45 Ged Hagan
12:00 – 12:45 Paul Nicholson
13:00- 13:45 Miss Pearl
14:00 – 14:45 Cuts
15:00- 15:45 Red Handed Siren
Free park-and-ride on heritage buses
Charity stalls, bar and refreshments.
Saturday 9 August, 10am to 4pm
Netherhall Rugby Club
with Lost in Stone
At The Settlement
Taste Cumbria Christmas – 6 & 7 December 2025
Getting here
The nearest mainline station is in the centre of Carlisle, around a 10 minute walk from the festival location. There are also good rail links from the Cumbrian Coast Line for anyone heading in from the west of the county, and from the east on the Settle to Carlisle route. Plan your journey here.
The city is also well served by numerous bus routes and you can find timetables here.
If you are coming by car, on-street spaces are fairly limited close to the festival site but there are many car parks within a few minutes’ walk. You can search for a car park here.
Why not make a weekend of it and discover all that Carlisle, Cumbria’s city, has to offer? You can find lots of information, including places to stay, on the Discover Carlisle website.
Most of the attractions at the Taste Cumbria festivals are free to enjoy. There is no charge for the live music, or for the street theatre, children’s activities and arts and crafts workshops. A small number of events at some of our festivals are ticketed and there is a also charge for the fairground rides. Keep up to date with everything that’s happening on Facebook or Twitter, where you can also discover the other Taste Cumbria festivals.