The first Taste Cumbria Carlisle festival was a massive hit.

The event, held on November 2 and 3, brought a 'buzzing' atmosphere to the city with food, drink, live music, and even fire eaters.

Set up in the cathedral grounds, the festival saw local producers sell out within hours.

The event was a collaboration with the monthly Carlisle Farmers Market, with 40 food, drink, and artisan traders setting up stalls for the weekend.

Fire eaters performed at the event (Image: Tom Kay Photographic) The two-day event was part of the Carlisle Fireshow celebrations, with plans already in place to return to the city in 2025.

Cumberland Council, who organised the event, said the Taste Cumbria events bring millions of pounds into the Cumberland economy each year.

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: "What a fabulous weekend in Carlisle, and in Cumberland.

40 food, drink, and artisan traders set up stalls for the weekend (Image: Tom Kay Photographic) "This was the first Taste Cumbria event in Carlisle and it’s great to see the programme being extended to other areas within Cumberland.

"Thank you to everyone who came and supported it; the producers, the visitors, the musicians and entertainers, and our brilliant events team who made this first festival such a success."

The event was supported by UKSPF funding.