Sonia Veneziani-Rocha

The U2056 near Wigton will close from September 1 for approximately 11 days to allow utility works. The closure will cover sections between junctions with the A596, with an additional northern section also affected. A signed diversion will use nearby local roads, while pedestrian and dismounted cyclist access will remain available. Drivers can contact Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline using reference TTROC/19216.

Whitehaven Weekender, a new two-day free festival on the harbourside, will combine outdoor arts, live music, family activities, food and drink, and Pride celebrations. Saturday will focus on theatre, circus, workshops and community entertainment, while Sunday will feature a Pride parade, live performances and a headline set by Vengaboys. The event is organised by Rosehill, NEAD CIC and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, with 55% of its 95 featured artists based in Cumbria. Free park-and-ride transport and free entry will be available, with a £3.50 booking fee for Sunday arena tickets.

Construction has begun on Units 9 and 12 of the iSH Enterprise Campus at the Leconfield Industrial Estate in Cleator Moor. Led by Cumberland Council as part of a wider West Cumbria regeneration programme, the campus aims to attract and support businesses in robotics, manufacturing and digital technology, with the new units expected to be available from late 2027. The project is supported by Town Deal and Levelling Up funding, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Sellafield Ltd. Designed for flexible use, the buildings will include loading and storage areas, parking, photovoltaic panels, heat pumps and electric-vehicle charging points, with an intended EPC rating of A. Stakeholders say the development will strengthen industrial capability, create jobs and support local businesses and skills.

Rising inflation, including a 2.9% CPI increase and higher energy bills, is placing additional pressure on Cumbria businesses. Suzanne Caldwell of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce said businesses are facing a cost-of-doing-business crisis, while British Chambers of Commerce survey data showed that 66% of firms cited inflation as a concern in the second quarter. The chamber is urging the government to use the Budget to reduce costs and promote trade, investment and productivity, and is encouraging businesses to use the UK Business Cost Stack Calculator to document policy-driven cost increases.

North Lakeland Dental in Wigton has been named the best dental practice in Cumbria at the Business Den UK Business Awards. Clinical director Adam Stanley credited the team’s patient-focused, no-pressure approach. The five-surgery practice employs 17 people, serves patients across the North Lakes, and plans to add two dentists this autumn before reopening to new patients in October, offering increased access amid regional dental-care shortages.

Cumbrian author Helen Haraldsen is seeking approximately £2,000 in additional sponsorship to donate copies of her book, Fell Pony Tales to Treasure, to every primary and secondary school in Cumbria. The book uses narrative poems about real Fell ponies and their connections to local people and history to introduce children to the county's heritage. Haraldsen has worked with about 20 schools, created a free cross-curricular teaching resource, and received illustrations from Whitehaven artist Chloe Pennington. Twenty-five percent of the required funding has been raised, with further support sought from individuals, businesses, organisations and Fell pony breeders before the book goes to print at the end of September.

A rare 1917 Phelon and Moore Royal Flying Corps motorcycle associated with Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant will be auctioned by Laidlaw Auctioneers and Valuers in Carlisle, with an estimate of £15,000 to £25,000. The three-day sale includes 1,400 lots, including firearms, military documents, a signed letter from Wernher von Braun, Apollo 11 photographs, jewellery, watches and a George III musical clock. Bidding will take place online and in person following public viewing.

A £16.4 million housing development at Stansfield Farm in Eastriggs has opened with 74 homes for social rent. Delivered by Cunninghame Housing Association with £11.4 million from the Scottish Government, the scheme includes general-needs, amenity and wheelchair-standard properties and is intended to meet local demand while supporting Eastriggs’s regeneration and population growth. The development forms part of Scotland’s wider commitment to invest £4.9 billion in affordable housing and deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.

Voters in the Harraby South ward of Cumberland Council are reminded to bring valid photographic identification to the by-election on August 20, with polling stations open from 7am to 10pm. Accepted documents include UK, EEA and Commonwealth passports, driving licences and concessionary travel passes; expired documents are permitted if the voter remains recognisable. Candidate information is available from Cumberland Council.

Bus services across Cumberland will be diverted, shortened, or delayed on Wednesday, August 19, as the Tour of Britain Women passes through the area. The first stage starts and finishes in Cockermouth, with rolling road closures affecting services across west and north Cumberland and possible delays of 15 to 20 minutes on other routes. Several Cockermouth roads will close for parts of the day, while passengers are directed to temporary bus stops and advised to check travel information and allow extra time.

1863 Restaurant with Rooms in Pooley Bridge has partnered with The Veg Patch, a three-quarter-acre market garden in Plumpton, to strengthen its farm-to-fork sourcing. The restaurant is incorporating seasonal produce such as beetroot, courgettes, rainbow chard and kohlrabi into its menus, while the growers supply local shops, veg-box customers and other hospitality businesses. The partners emphasize close communication to manage fluctuating yields and promote seasonality. The Veg Patch plans to expand into winter salads, Asian greens, herbs, an orchard and additional fruit, becoming part of 1863’s broader network of Cumbrian suppliers.

Cumbrian sheepdog handler Katy Cropper will compete with her seven-year-old Border Collie, Jacobsdale Gin, at the 2026 World Sheepdog Trial near Lauder in the Scottish Borders. Cropper, who has previously won the BBC’s One Man and His Dog and the English National Brace Championship, has represented England internationally and is returning to the world trial after qualifying in 2002 but missing the event because she was giving birth. More than 300 handlers and dogs from 34 countries are expected to compete, with the event running from September 16 to 20. Cropper says she has modest expectations but is delighted to compete alongside her dog.

A three-day closure is planned on the C2050 in Abbeytown, near Wigton, from August 27 for utility works. The closure will run southeast from the junction with the B5307 for approximately 610 metres. Traffic will be diverted via the C2050, B5302, Waverbridge and B5307, while inquiries can be directed to the Highways Hotline or Cumberland Council using reference TTROC/18989.

Four period properties in Carlisle priced at £350,000 or less are presented: a three-bedroom terrace on Currock Road at £190,000; a two-bedroom apartment at Mill Race View offered around £120,000; a five-bedroom Grade II listed townhouse at Victoria Place offered above £350,000; and a six-bedroom, four-bathroom townhouse on Scotland Road priced at £310,000. The listings highlight period features, modern amenities, parking and gardens, with properties marketed by local estate agents.

A section of Sandy Lane in Broadwath, near Brampton, is scheduled to close from August 26 for approximately three days to allow utility works. The closure will cover about 480 metres south-west from the road’s junction with the U1191, with no suitable alternative route for vehicles. Enquiries can be directed to Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline using reference TTROC/19348.

Recent planning applications in Carlisle include proposals to convert part of a garage into a hairdressing salon, remove a larch tree in the Stanwix Conservation Area, build a rear sunroom, replace a dwelling and garage on London Road, convert a house of multiple occupancy into an eight-bedroom short-term let, and transform former YMCA accommodation on Fisher Street into a single dwelling with associated demolition, landscaping and access works.

Lovelady Shield Country House Hotel and Cottages, a 16th-century property near Alston in the North Pennines, has been put up for sale. The estate occupies 3.5 acres in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and includes a 14-bedroom main house, six self-catering cottages converted from barns, and historic links to a former 13th-century convent. The sale includes fixtures, fittings and inventory, and is being handled jointly by Landwood Group and Savills on behalf of receivers FRP Advisory. The property previously had outline planning permission for 38 additional holiday lets, leisure facilities and catering space, offering scope for further development.

The C1005 in Kirklinton, from its junction with the U1077 at Fergushill, is scheduled to close for up to 19 days from August 24 for utility works. A signed diversion will use the C1005, A6071, U1084 and U1083, while pedestrian and dismounted cyclist access will remain available. Cumberland Council will enforce the closure as necessary and handle inquiries through its Highways Hotline, quoting reference TTROC/19340.

Mark Macarte, treasurer of SSAFA’s Cumbria branch, has received the Sir James Gildea Global Volunteer Award for nearly 23 years of service and decades of support for the Armed Forces community. The former Royal Navy navigator and RAF serviceman began volunteering with SSAFA in 1988 and became the branch treasurer in 2003. He was recognised for his professionalism, steady leadership and role in helping the branch survive and regenerate, and encouraged others to volunteer. Outside his charity work, he flies light aircraft from Carlisle Airport and plays flute in a local orchestra.

A section of the C1011 near Scaleby is scheduled to close on August 26 from 8am to 4pm to allow utility works. Pedestrian and dismounted cyclist access will remain available, while drivers will be directed along a signed diversion using nearby local roads, including the U1089, A6071, A69 and routes around Brampton.

Carlisle is expected to have a mostly cloudy Saturday with a 10–20% chance of rain and temperatures reaching 19°C. Sunday should be warmer, sunnier and drier, with temperatures rising to 20°C and only a very low risk of rain.

Race the Tide attracted 246 runners to a muddy 10K obstacle course at Muncaster Castle in West Cumbria, featuring water challenges, bog crossings, a waterslide and fancy-dress participants. Organizers promoted the event as more than a one-day race, pairing it with music, castle tours, food and other activities to encourage visitors to stay longer, spend locally and return to the region. Tickets for the 2027 event are already on sale.

Marathon runner Olly Brown will run 26 miles across the Lake District, including Helvellyn, as the 34th leg of his Marathons for Miracles campaign supporting Tommy’s. The campaign involves completing 39 marathons in 39 weeks across England’s historic counties, each alongside someone affected by pregnancy or baby loss. Brown launched it after he and his wife Amy experienced a miscarriage and has raised more than £58,000 so far. The campaign aims to raise funds for Tommy’s research and support services while encouraging greater openness about pregnancy loss.

Cameron Sharp, aged 23, has become the fifth generation of his family to work for Thomson Roddick Callan, an auctioneering business founded in Annan in 1880. Working alongside his mother and managing director Sybelle Thomson, he handles staff management, home clearances, valuations and auctioneering across the company’s salerooms in Dumfries, Edinburgh, Ayr and Carlisle. Sharp aims to expand the company’s catchment area, respond to the growth of online audiences and preserve its traditional customer base while continuing the family business’s 140-year legacy.

Mountain biker Josh Day raised more than £2,600 for the Lake District Calvert Trust while attempting an Everesting challenge on Skiddaw. He stopped after seven of eleven planned ascents and 5,950 metres of climbing when a crash caused a concussion and cracked his helmet, but he avoided serious injuries. Day surpassed his £2,500 target and plans to attempt the challenge again.

Fleetwood Mac tribute band Meetwood Flac delivered an energetic performance at Whitehaven's Marchon Club during a charity night for BeeUnique. The band quickly filled the dancefloor with songs including Everywhere, Landslide, Songbird, Edge of Seventeen and The Chain, while individual members received praise for their vocals and musicianship. Minor technical problems did not affect the enthusiastic audience, and the reviewer concluded that the show created an experience comparable to seeing Fleetwood Mac themselves, with Tango in the Night the only requested omission.

A 1.5-kilometre section of the C1038 in Cumwhinton, near Carlisle, is scheduled to close from August 24 for approximately ten days to allow utility works. Traffic will be diverted via the unrestricted sections of the C1038, C3027, C3015, A6 and B6263, while pedestrians and disabled cyclists will retain access. Cumberland Council will provide signage and handle queries through its Highways Hotline or website.

XDP Ltd has opened a 4,941-square-foot depot in Carlisle to serve 67 postcodes across the North West and Southern Scotland. The facility is intended to improve transit times, close a gap in XDP’s regional network and accommodate growing customer and seasonal demand. The company says the depot has already created delivery and operational roles, with further recruitment expected.

A Tommy Cooper tribute show starring Phil Hoyles will take place at Workington’s Theatre Royal on October 29, featuring comedy, songs and magic. Produced by Cattle Productions Ltd, the event will raise money for Hospice At Home, which provides palliative care to adults in West Cumbria.

The U2054 in Oulton will close for approximately 780 metres from its junction with the C2040 for utility work beginning August 18. The closure is expected to last three days, with signed alternative routes via unrestricted sections of the U2054, C2051 and C2040. Pedestrians and disabled cyclists will retain access, and drivers can contact Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline for queries.

Anthony Connor, who joined The Halston as a sous chef when the Carlisle venue opened in 2014, has been promoted to its board of directors as the business marks its 12th anniversary. He later became head chef at Penny Blue and helped shape the food offering across The Halston, Penny Blue and Bartons Yard, with a focus on seasonal menus and local suppliers. Co-owner Dominique Harrison praised his progression and long-standing contribution, while Connor said he was proud to take on a larger role in the independent business. The Halston, which occupies Carlisle's restored former General Post Office, says it intends to continue investing in the city and developing its venues.

The £4.2 million Revitalised Town project in Cleator Moor is moving into construction, with Story Contracting appointed as principal contractor. Managed by Cumberland Council and backed by the wider £22.5 million Cleator Moor Town Deal, the scheme will refurbish the library and former credit union building into a public services and community hub, improve the Town Square, and install new CCTV cameras. Work is due to begin in mid-August and last about 14 months, causing temporary relocations for the Friday Market and mobile banking service and changes to parking and bus-stop arrangements. Additional funding comes from Sellafield Ltd’s Impact Investment Fund and Cleator Moor Town Council.

West Cumbria-based therapist Rezwana Robson is preparing to publish her debut memoir, The Girl Who Broke the Code, this autumn. The book draws on her experiences as a foster child, decades of therapeutic practice and reflections on identity, unspoken trauma and consciousness, including a visit to the former slave fortress at Elmina Castle in Ghana. Robson works with her two adult children at the Visage Therapy Centre in Cockermouth.

The U2051 road in Kelsick will close from its junction with the U2052 to its western junction with the B5302 for utility works beginning August 15 and lasting around three days. A signed diversion will use unrestricted sections of the U2051 and the B5302, while pedestrian and disabled cyclist access will be maintained. Further information is available from Cumberland Council or the Highways Hotline using reference TTROC/I8922.

A section of the U2123 in Uldale, North Cumbria, is scheduled to close for approximately five days from August 10 while utility works are carried out. The closure will run between the U2121 and U2125 junctions, with a signed diversion via the U2125, C2004, U2127 and U2121. Pedestrian and disabled cyclist access will remain available.

The A7 at Longtown, near Carlisle, is scheduled to close overnight for resurfacing from August 16. The closure will run from the A6071 junction north-east for approximately 4.7 kilometres, with restrictions in place from 7pm to 6am over eight nights. Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be able to pass, while vehicles will be directed along a signed diversion route.

Cumberland Council will begin the next phase of overnight resurfacing on the B5299 in Dalston, between The Square and the Bridge End Inn, from August 10 to September 4. The road will close nightly from 6pm to 1am, with closures extended until 3am for site clearance and curing. Diversions will be signed, while emergency services, pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will retain access. The work forms part of the council’s £27.3 million 2026/27 highways investment, covering resurfacing, pothole repairs, drainage, footways, cycleways and bridges.

Lowther Castle and Gardens in Penrith will launch Lights of Lowther, a winter light trail, on November 14. The experience will illuminate the castle and gardens with woodland paths, light displays and installations, alongside seasonal food, drinks and marshmallow roasting. The trail will operate on selected evenings throughout the festive season with timed, pre-booked entry. Tickets cost £20 for adults, £15 for children and £65 for family groups, with annual pass holders eligible for a 10% discount.

The U2262 Tenters road in Wigton is scheduled to close from Wednesday, August 26, for approximately eight days to allow utility works. The closure will cover a 30-metre section south-east of the B5302 junction. No suitable vehicle diversion is available, but pedestrians and dismounted cyclists can continue to use the road. Queries should be directed to Cumberland Council using reference TTROC/19346.

Carlisle is forecast to have a mixed weekend. Saturday should be mostly dry and bright after a cloudy start, with temperatures reaching about 19–20°C and a low chance of rain. Sunday will begin with sunny intervals before becoming cloudier and wetter from early afternoon, with frequent showers and temperatures of around 16–18°C. Conditions may feel 2–3°C cooler than the recorded air temperature, particularly during periods of rain and cloud.

The Grand Départ trophy will be displayed at the Taste Cumbria Maryport festival on Sunday, August 9, as part of a promotional tour ahead of the Tour de France’s 2027 arrival in Cumberland. The 2027 event will feature a stage-one finish in Carlisle and a stage-two start in Keswick. Organized by Cumberland Council, the free festival will include food, drink, music, family activities and performances, with attractions across two regenerated waterfront locations.

Cumbria County Cricket Club lost to Norfolk in their second National Counties Cricket Association Championship fixture at Sprowston. Cumbria were dismissed for 172 in the first innings, while Freddie Fallows took five wickets as Norfolk reached 351 for eight. Nathan Waterston scored 117 in Cumbria’s second innings and shared a 110-run partnership with Matthew Sempill, but Cumbria were bowled out for 326. Norfolk completed the chase in 37.2 overs, with Cumbria’s remaining fixtures scheduled against Bedfordshire and Lincolnshire.

Carlisle-based Speedy Freight has been shortlisted for Franchisor of the Year (Established) at the 2026 British Franchise Association Awards and for The Customer Service Award at the 2026 Supply Chain Excellence Awards. The company credits its franchise owners, staff, technology investment and operational support for its progress. It was also a finalist in the BFA Awards in 2025, when it won a Bronze Award. The supply-chain awards will be held in London on November 5, and the British Franchise Awards in Telford on November 12.

Carlisle’s International Market will return from August 27 to 31 in the upgraded pedestrianised city centre, offering international food, crafts, gifts, fresh produce, and a Continental Street Bar. Organised by Market Place Europe with support from Cumberland Council, the event is expected to attract visitors from across the region. Carlisle’s regular Friday market will also continue, while a civic procession and proclamation ceremony will commemorate the city’s historic fair rights, granted by Edward III in 1352.

The U1071 near Rockcliffe in Cumberland is scheduled to close from August 19 for one week to allow utility works. The closure will cover approximately 220 metres northeast of the road’s junction with the C1015, and no alternative route has been identified. Further information is available from the Highways Hotline or Cumberland Council, using reference TTROC/19301.

Pride in North Cumbria will run a free Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Summer Activities programme for young people in Carlisle every Thursday in August. Sessions on food, inclusive film and television, disability rights, accessibility, and diversity-themed art will take place at 21 Victoria Place from 2pm to 6pm on August 6, 13, 20, and 27. The programme aims to help participants explore identity and belonging, build confidence, and encourage more inclusive communities. Registration is available through Eventbrite, though attendees may also drop in.

Maryport will host the two-day Taste Cumbria festival across Harbourside and Marine Road Showfield on August 8 and 9. The program includes a free Rosemary Shrager cookery demonstration, producers' and hot-food markets, live music, family activities, street entertainment and a festival bar. Visitors will also be able to see the trophy for the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ. Additional events include the Maryport Classic Car and Vintage Vehicle Show and The Teenage Market. Cumberland Council is organizing the festival, with further Taste Cumbria events planned in Cockermouth and a Christmas edition later in the year.

Chandra Pollock has been appointed manager of Carlisle’s five-year Great Border City BID, bringing more than 25 years of experience in place management, BIDs and stakeholder engagement. Her initial priority is to consult businesses and stakeholders, working with Cumberland Council and Cumbria Tourism to create a year-one development plan. The BID is holding pop-up feedback events and aims to support economic growth, inclusive regeneration and opportunities linked to city-centre investment and the forthcoming Tour de France.

Dalemain will host the Cumbria Classic and Motorsport Show on August 23, with 850 cars, 42 car clubs and 40 trade stands expected. Organised by Wigton Motor Club, the event will include special Bentley and Lotus displays, a Lotus 22 supplied by the Jim Clark Trust, competition cars, grass autotests and information about Motor Sport UK’s Street Car programme. Admission costs £10, while children under 16 enter free.

Lloyd Motor Group is celebrating 50 years since R. Lloyd Motors Ltd opened a BMW showroom in Cockermouth on August 4, 1976. The company has expanded across Cumbria, the North East, Lancashire and Yorkshire, growing its network and representing brands including BMW, Volvo, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Volkswagen, Škoda, BYD and Geely. Managing director Sam Lloyd credited customers, employees and local communities for the group's growth. Anniversary celebrations include community and charitable initiatives, customer and employee stories, and a dedicated history website, while the original Cockermouth site remains part of the network.

Hammond’s Pond Café in Carlisle reopened on July 26 under the management of local couple Eben Meyers and Leona Miller. The café is open daily from 9am to 5pm and currently serves drinks, snacks, Lakes Ice Cream and coffee from Carlisle roaster John Watt & Son, with plans to add more hot food, baked goods, seating and play-area improvements. The new managers aim to establish the café as a community hub with clubs and seasonal events, a move welcomed by Cumberland Council and the Friends of Hammond’s Pond group.

The Workington Gateway project is entering its final phase, with Cumberland Council scheduling multiple road closures and traffic-management measures across August and September to complete junction, resurfacing, safety and connectivity works. Additional projects include a shared-use path linking the town centre with Workington Academy, National Highways resurfacing, gas-pipe replacement by Northern Gas Networks, and later repairs to the Bridge Street footbridge. The wider programme is backed by more than £33 million in government funding, including £10 million for the Gateway scheme, and includes the Innovation Centre, Digital Accelerator Hub, port-site regeneration, cycleways, Hall Park improvements and Cumberland Sports Village enhancements.

Cumberland Council validated six planning applications in Carlisle, covering a rear extension at Thornton Road, tree works at Norfolk Road, a replacement roof at Vaseys Furniture Store, a balcony at Jubilee Road, a proposed hot food takeaway and shopfront alterations on London Road, and new signage at The Beehive on Warwick Road.

Children aged five to 15 can travel for free on participating bus services across Cumberland from 1 to 31 August under the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign. The scheme, promoted by Cumberland Council, is intended to reduce family travel costs during the school holidays and make it easier for children to access activities, attractions and services. Families are advised to check with local operators to confirm participating services.

Stockdalewath Road in rural North Cumbria will close from its junction with the C2018 for about 500 metres from August 3 for approximately three days of utility works. A diversion will use the U1145, U1143 and C2018, while pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will retain access. Cumberland Council provided a highways hotline and reference number for enquiries.

Passengers are being invited to recommend places to visit, eat and drink along the 72-mile Settle-Carlisle Railway for inclusion in the Traxplorer app. The free app provides live train times, station guides, historical information, games and details about attractions, dining and onward connections. Recommendations will support local businesses and enter contributors into a draw for a Settle Carlisle goodie bag. The app upgrade is backed by Northern, Community Rail Network and CrossCountry during the line’s 150th anniversary year, with young volunteer Kai Ellison helping expand its content.

Colonel (Retired) Chris Sanderson OBE JP DL will become Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria on August 1, succeeding Lord Inglewood. Lord-Lieutenant Alexander Scott praised Sanderson's 30-year Army career, international risk consultancy work and extensive voluntary service. Sanderson will deputise for the Lord-Lieutenant and help coordinate civic, ceremonial and community events across the county.

A 500-metre section of the U2136 in Westward, near the entrance to Clea Hall Caravan Park, will close to traffic for utility works from August 26 for two days, between 8am and 5pm. Cumberland Council says a diversion will use parts of the U2136, C2041 and C2004, while pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will retain access. Further information is available from the Highways Hotline or Cumberland Council.

Keswick mountain biker Josh Day plans to climb Skiddaw 11 times in 24 hours, completing more than 8,848 metres of elevation gain—the equivalent of Mount Everest—to raise money and awareness for the Lake District Calvert Trust. The charity, led by his father Sean Day, provides accessible outdoor adventure experiences for people with disabilities. The challenge begins at 6pm on Saturday, August 8, with supporters encouraged to donate or cheer him on. The Calvert Trust also plans a separate Everesting challenge later in the year as part of the Big Give appeal.

A section of the U1093 Low Crosby road will close from 7am to 6pm on two days beginning August 3 to allow utility works. The closure will affect a roughly 110-metre stretch north of the A689 junction. An alternative route will be available via the U1093, Walby and the A689, while pedestrian and dismounted cyclist access will remain open.

The full-scale Nao Santa Maria replica, built by Fundación Nao Victoria to commemorate the 525th anniversary of Columbus’s first voyage, is docked at Whitehaven Harbour for a limited visitor period before sailing to Liverpool. Visitors can explore the captain’s quarters, decks, replica artefacts and displays about 15th-century navigation and sailors’ lives. Crew member Francisco Riveira Rouco explains how modern materials and mechanical aids, including a hollow iron mast, fibreglass-reinforced wood, a sail winch and hydraulic rudder assistance, improve safety and comfort while preserving the vessel’s historical character.

Carlisle is expected to have a mixed but generally pleasant weekend. Saturday will be cooler and unsettled, with cloud, sunny intervals, light showers and temperatures around 19–20°C. Sunday should be warmer and brighter, with long sunny spells, highs around 20°C or slightly higher, light winds and no current weather warnings.

The Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership has awarded £99,634 to the Great North Air Ambulance Service, funding an estimated 16 critical-care helicopter missions in the area. The grant, provided through Nuclear Waste Services’ geological disposal facility programme, will cover specialist equipment, staff, medication, fuel and other operating costs. The partnership has distributed more than £4.5 million to local projects and also raised over £4,000 for the air ambulance service through a charity golf day.

Carlisle Ambassadors has welcomed Currys Business Carlisle as its 900th member. The network brings together businesses, individuals and organisations that promote Carlisle as a place to live, work, study and invest, with membership currently free until March 2027. It aims to reach 1,000 members and will hold its next networking event at the Greenhill Hotel in Wigton on September 17.

Part of Petteril Bank Road in Carlisle is scheduled to close for up to three nights from July 31, between 9pm and 6am, to allow bridge repairs. The closure will extend about 40 metres from the Carlisle City Football Club entrance. Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will retain access, while vehicles will follow a signposted diversion via nearby Carlisle roads.

Voting is open for the 2026 Cumbria Life Awards, with submissions closing on August 9. The shortlist covers fine and casual dining, cafés, pubs, design, arts and culture, tourist attractions, environmental projects, and artisan products. Nominees are recognized for hospitality, local sourcing, community engagement, cultural contribution, conservation, sustainability and Cumbrian craftsmanship. Voters can choose as many categories as they wish but may submit the survey only once.

A £1,999.99 grant from The Talisman Charitable Trust enabled Cumbria Cerebral Palsy to buy Ryan Ward, a 32-year-old Dalston man with cerebral palsy affecting all four limbs, a replacement laptop. The Acer device allows him to communicate with friends and family, participate in online activities and maintain his independence after his previous computer became unreliable. His mother and support workers described the immediate positive impact, while Cumbria Cerebral Palsy said it would continue supporting people with cerebral palsy and their families across Cumbria.

Cumberland Council plans to close How Mill level crossing to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists overnight on August 1, from 11:50 p.m. to 8:45 a.m., to allow maintenance work. The closure will cover a 30-metre stretch on either side of the crossing, with marked vehicle diversions through Faugh, Heads Nook and Fenton.

Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen is inviting residents to discuss policing and fire-service concerns at a public surgery in Cockermouth Town Hall on August 5 from 9:30am to 10:30am. Residents who cannot attend can contact his office by email or phone.

Gary Wilson, general manager of Inn on the Lake in Ullswater, has been shortlisted for General Manager of the Year at the 2026 Boutique Hotelier Awards. He has managed the hotel since July 2000 and is recognized for leading it through economic downturns, Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and the aftermath of Storm Desmond, when the hotel supported relief efforts in Glenridding alongside the Army. The awards ceremony will take place in London on September 14.

The replica tall ship Nao Santa Maria is scheduled to dock at Whitehaven Harbour at approximately 11:30–11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, after a change to its schedule. Visitors can board the full-scale replica of Christopher Columbus’s 1492 expedition vessel from July 30 to August 10 to learn about 15th-century seafaring, navigation, sailors’ daily lives and shipbuilding. Tickets are available online or from a stand near the vessel.

Dobbies’ Carlisle garden centre is offering an autumn programme featuring a Crafternoon Tea with glass mosaic making, a children’s Little Scare-lings Halloween tea party, the dog-friendly Pup-kin Patch, and an Autumn Terrarium Workshop. Prices range from £13.50 per dog to £40 per person, with advance booking required through the Dobbies website.

Forest Head Road near Talkin and Brampton will close for approximately 240 metres on Wednesday, August 26, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for utility work. Drivers can use unrestricted sections of the U1207, U1208 and C2031, while pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will still have access. Further information is available from the Highways Hotline using reference TTROC/I9136.

Free and low-cost activities will be offered at leisure centres across West Cumbria on August 8 and 9 as part of an Everyone Active community open weekend. The programme includes swimming, racket sports, fitness classes, walking football, gymnastics, climbing, dance, wellbeing activities and family entertainment. The event marks anniversaries at Whitehaven Sports Centre, Copeland Pool and Fitness Centre, Cockermouth Leisure Centre and Workington Leisure Centre, while visitors can also view recent refurbishment work at Copeland. Advance booking is encouraged through the Everyone Active app.

Lamont Pridmore chief executive Graham Lamont urges independent retailers in Cumbria and Lancashire to future-proof their businesses against rising costs, weaker consumer spending and online competition. He recommends improving customer experiences, using referral and loyalty schemes, diversifying income through complementary offerings, analysing sales and product performance, and strengthening financial planning and cash-flow forecasting. Lamont also calls for business rates relief available to pubs, clubs and venues to be extended to independent and family-run retailers, while encouraging struggling businesses to seek advice from Lamont Pridmore.

The Dog Beck pub in Penrith will host a ten‑day craft cider festival featuring a range of specialty ciders priced at £2.99 per pint, with tasting notes available in‑pub and through the Wetherspoon app. Pub manager Connor Coombes highlights the event as an opportunity to showcase new craft cider options to customers.

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust received strong patient satisfaction scores in the 2025 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey, outperforming the national average. Patients highlighted clear communication, coordinated care, and effective support throughout treatment. Trust leaders noted improvements in diagnosis times, patient involvement, and overall care quality while acknowledging ongoing challenges and the need for continued progress.

A temporary right-turn prohibition will be in place from August 3 at Bridge Lane and Willow Holme Industrial Estate onto the A595 Bridge Street in Carlisle as part of ongoing roadworks. The restriction will last approximately 13 weeks, requiring drivers to follow a diversion via A595 Castle Way and Hardwicke Circus. Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists can continue crossing safely, and queries are directed to Cumberland Council via the Highways Hotline.

An upcoming exhibition at Rosehill Theatre, The People's Gallery, will display artwork from creators across Cumbria between July 22 and August 22. The show features a wide range of artistic disciplines and includes both experienced and first‑time contributors. A launch event on July 24 will allow visitors to meet artists and view the collection. Complementary summer arts activities at Rosehill include family workshops, a drama club, a K-pop event, and adult creative sessions aimed at fostering an accessible and supportive environment.

A community fun day hosted by Carlisle United featured family activities, an open training session led by new head coach Rob Elliot, performances and interactive stalls. The Cumberland supported the event by running children’s challenges and engaging with attendees, while local organisations including Cumbria Police and Carlisle Dance Academy contributed to the entertainment. The event brought families together and strengthened the partnership between the football club and local businesses.

An annual exhibition by Carlisle and Cumbria Artists will showcase more than 280 works by 49 local artists at Carlisle Cathedral’s Fratry Hall from July 18 to August 2. The free event highlights landscapes, still life, and abstract pieces and continues a tradition that began in 1968 when Molly Mawson organized the first show to support preservation of the historic Tithe Barn.

A new Glow Trail fundraising walk will be held at Lowther Castle and Gardens to support Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, offering a 6km illuminated route with live entertainment and remembrance points. The event aims to raise money for hospice care, which relies heavily on community donations, and includes registration packs, optional personalised items and refreshments. Organisers emphasise community involvement and the importance of supporting local end‑of‑life care services.

A 13‑week lane closure on the B5299 Shaddongate in Carlisle will begin on August 3, restricting the left-hand lane from John Street to the A595 Bridge Street until November 1. Vehicles needing access to Bridge Lane and the Willow Holme Industrial Estate are advised to follow a signed diversion, while other traffic will continue in the right-hand lane. The council states restrictions will only apply when signage is in place and provides a hotline number for enquiries.

An 80-year-old Carlisle man, John Bailey, made a 600‑mile round trip to Bath Racecourse to honour the memory of his late wife Ann, with whom he spent part of his honeymoon there in 1986. Invited as a special guest after writing to the racecourse about the sentimental significance of the visit, he was welcomed into the owners’ and trainers’ lounge and interviewed in the parade ring. The trip allowed him to revisit cherished memories, while Bath Racecourse staff expressed their delight at hosting him and helping commemorate the occasion.

A discounted summer driving package at Carlisle Lake District Airport allows families or groups to drive supercars for three miles each with instructor guidance. TrackDays.co.uk is offering the Family of Four Driving Experience Blast with cars such as Lamborghini, Ferrari and McLaren available, open to participants as young as ten on selected August dates.

Wigton Motor Club marked National Motor Sport Week by hosting a cars and coffee gathering, a junior karting session at Rowrah circuit, and a grass autotest for newcomers. The club also announced its upcoming Cumbria Classic & Motorsport Show scheduled for August at Dalemain Mansion.

Burnetts Solicitors is encouraging young people from farming backgrounds in the North of England to consider careers in agricultural and private client law. Partner Richard Miller highlights the value of firsthand agricultural experience for supporting farming families, landowners, and rural businesses. The Carlisle-based team seeks motivated applicants to work alongside experienced lawyers handling matters involving farms, estates, and agricultural enterprises.

The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven won Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Cumbria Tourism Awards, with its team praised for delivering high-quality visitor experiences. Several Cumberland businesses also received top honours, including The Edge, Muncaster Castle Tour, Pentonbridge Inn, Netherby Hall, and Theatre by the Lake. Many winners will advance to compete at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2027, elevating Cumbria’s presence on the national tourism stage.

A donation scheme by The Cumberland Building Society will restore outreach support at Calderwood House, a 10‑bedroom homeless hostel in West Cumbria that lost its funding last year. The revived outreach role will help former residents maintain independent living and reduce the risk of returning to homelessness. Staff members describe the support as essential, citing examples of its impact, including a former resident who now works at the hostel. Demand for services remains high amid limited affordable housing options.