Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December 2025
The final Taste Cumbria event of 2025 saw thousands of people brave some typical Cumbrian weather for a festival full of smiles and good cheer.
With dozens of producers’ stalls, loads of family entertainment, some live music and even a visit from Santa, this was a weekend packed with as many treats as any Christmas stocking. Add in a Michelin-starred Supper Club with The Cottage in the Wood at Low Hall the Lakes, and a Comedy Night at Jennings Brewery, and there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Even two days of rain didn’t deter the crowds of visitors as they ate, drank, shopped and explored Cockermouth’s independent businesses too. Cockermouth Pilates Studio played host to Santa’s Grotto, while Cockermouth Kitchen Company was the destination for the expert demonstrations. From beer tips to what to do with the festive leftovers, there was loads to learn and plenty to sample.
Cockermouth’s shops and restaurants helped get the town into the festive spirit too. They lit their doorways with lanterns to complement the beautiful Christmas lights, and some even offered their own refreshments and special offers to bring even more sparkle to the event.
There was also an art and craft fair in the United Reformed Church on Main Street, while Market Place Print Studio hosted drop-in sessions to make pretty Christmas gifts, and the Kirkgate Arts centre held a world food event.
Taste Cumbria is now famed as the county’s biggest and best food festival. The events, now also held in Carlisle, Maryport and Wigton, bring millions of pounds into the local economy each year.
The festivals are organised by Cumberland Council. Councillor Anne Quilter, Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said: “Thank you to everyone who braved some pretty damp weather to come to Taste Cumbria Christmas. Thank you in particular to the events team who work so hard to make these festivals a success, to our great sponsors and supporters, and to the amazing traders and performers who come and join the fun. We couldn’t do this without all of them.
“Taste Cumbria was born out of the 2009 floods in Cockermouth and, on the 10th anniversary of Storm Desmond, it is fitting to see how Cumbrians pull together to make the best of every situation. Now we’re looking forward to even more great events in 2026.”
The Taste Cumbria Christmas festival is sponsored by Cockermouth Town Council, The Coffee Kitchen Bakery and Milburns Solicitors, and supported by RockWith and Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade.
Acantha Crystals – Ethically-sourced crystals and holistic products
All Things Nice by Ashley – Resin jewellery and homewares
Aura Body Art – Fabulous face painting
Ben Bush Photography – Award-winning astrophotography and landscapes
The Black Bull – Family-run pub on Main Street
Bowes Dairy Produce – Luxury cheese hampers
Cakes from the Lakes – Handmade, family-run bakery from Threlkeld
Cartmel Cheeses – Artisan cheese shop based on the edge of the Lake District
Cherry Hugs – Hand-knitted cuddly characters and gifts
The Coffee Kitchen Bakery – Cockermouth-based creators of real bread, scones and patisserie
The Cumbrian Boerewors Company – Tantalising South African flavours created in Kendal
Cumbrian Coastal Kitchen – Delicious preserves and fruit vinegars
The Doggy Deli – Healthy, natural canine treats
Dirty Dogs – Award-winning hot dogs
Eden Yard Rapeseed Oil – The only cooking oil grown in Cumbria
Enchanted to Bead You – Affordable handmade friendship bracelets
FellBar – Homemade flapjack oat bars, vegan and gluten free
The Flying Chocsman – Shiny colourful handcrafted chocolates
Fresh Olives – Olives and antipasti
Gan Yam Brew Co – Kendal-based brewers of small batch beer
Go Your Own Way Apparel – Art, accessories and more, crafted in the Lake District
Goodness & Grain – Market Place’s refill eco shop
Hallsford Catering – Suppliers of top quality lamb, beef and pork, and hot food too
The Hedgehog Bakery – Tasty cakes and treat boxes
Hollybank Farm – Producers of home-bred lamb and pork
Jinger Drinks – Ginger health drinks that are great for your gut
Jennings – the town’s brilliant brewery
Jo’s Little People – Individually handcrafted miniature figures
Just Messin – Carlisle’s star of children’s crafts
KAH Ceramics – Handmade studio pottery & homewares
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
Lakeland Artisan – Mawson’s cordials, Herdwick Distillery spirits, chutneys, preserves & more
Laverock Hampers – Customised food and drink collections
Lucela’s – Home of the chocolate rum that is allergen-free
Manor Born Organics – Aromatherapy products, gifts and homewares
Market Place Print Studio – Handmade prints and more
Mr Vikkis – Award-winning spiced chutneys and sauces
New to You by the Cumbrian Wordsmith – Quirky preloved homewares and gifts
Penningtons Spirits & Liqueurs – Creators of Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur & more
Pie Demand – Eat pie, be happy
Primal Feasts – a roaming celebration of fire and flavour
Really Indian – Handcrafted fresh sauces
Seth’s Bar – Beers & cocktails galore
Shaw Meats – Premium meats and game
Sipping Fox – The Lake District drinks company, wines, spirits & hampers
The Smokery – Meat & fish from HMP Haverigg’s smokery
Stonehouse Smokery – Artisan curers, smokers & roasters
Strands Gin – Sourced from the crystal clear depths of Thirlmere
Sweet Treats by Martin Frickel – Handmade brownies, blondies and treats
Tony Harrison’s Butchers – Hot food from the Main Street favourite
The Three Wheel Gin Company – Small batch hand-crafted spirits
Valley End Jewellery – Everyday and occasional wear handmade jewellery
The Victorian Candle Co – Pure soy wax candles from Carlisle
Warwick Bridge Cornmill – Locally-milled flours and baked breads and cakes
WigaWagaa – Handmade, award-winning chilli products
The Yolker – Handmade gourmet Scotch eggs
PLUS…
FREE Santa’s Grotto in Cockermouth Pilates Studio, off Market Place
SATURDAY ONLY from 11am
Expert demonstrations in Cockermouth Kitchen Company, Market Place. Learn from the festival’s fabulous culinary experts – and taste their creations!
Cockermouth Art & Craft Fayre in the United Reform Church, Main Street. Locally-produced creative crafts and more
The Music Stage in Market Place
The Swan, Kirkgate – al fresco food and drink outside this traditional pub
Live Music
10:15 – 10:30 Fairfield Primary School
10:45 – 11:30 Annie Jackson-Elliott
11:45 – 12:30 Shelbie McAllister
12:45 – 1:30 Logan Paul Beatles Boy
1:45 – 2:30 Thomas & Joe
2:45 – 3:30 Char
3:45 – 4:30 Cindy Hoten
10:00 – 10:30 Cockermouth School
10:30 – 11:15 Phil Lewthwaite
11:30 – 12:15 Laura Bailey
12:30 – 1:15 Annie Jackson-Elliott
1:30 – 2:15 Darren Johnstone
2:30 – 3:15 Alfie Hodgson
3:30 – 3:45 Miss Pearl
Cooking demos
Want to pick up some food & drink tips at Taste Cumbria Christmas this weekend? The lovely team at Cockermouth Kitchen Company Limited on Market Place are hosting the expert demos, and here’s the line up!
Noon – Crooked River Brewing
1pm – Peter Sidwell
2pm – John Crouch
3pm – Manon Plouffe, Wild Zucchinis
Noon – John Crouch
1pm – Andy Walsh, The Coffee Kitchen Bakery
2pm – Crooked River Brewing
Date – Saturday 6th December
Time – doors open from 6pm, comedy starts at 7pm
Venue – The Maltings, Jennings Brewery
A great line-up of comics will be taking to the stage. MC Will Duggan has cemented himself as a dynamic performer in comedy clubs around the country. Celebrated for his ingenious punchlines and dead pan delivery, Julian Deane will open the show. Ravi Saini, who says he just wants to make the world laugh a little. Christian Reilly, who uses his dynamic guitar and vocal skills and has musical theatre and morose indie musicians in his sights.
Date – Sunday 7th December
Time – doors open at 5pm and food served for 6.30pm
Venue – Low Hall The Lakes
The Cottage in the Wood Supper Club @ Low Hall the Lakes will see Michelin-starred chef Jack Bond cooking four stunning courses which will be served in the beautiful surroundings of this venue on the outskirts of Cockermouth. The combination of fabulous hospitality and the very best food from two amazing local businesses means this event always sells out.
Taste Carlisle – Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 November 2025
This year’s Taste Cumbria Christmas is organised by Cumberland Council, sponsored by Cockermouth Town Council, The Coffee Kitchen Bakery, Rock With, Holmen Iggesund and Milburns Solicitors, and supported by Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade.
Getting here
If you’re coming to our festivals by car, here’s a handy link to some of the car parks in Cockermouth. If you’re parking on the street, please check local signs for restrictions. You’ll need a timing disc to park at the roadside – these are available from local businesses.
