Imagine Festival

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 April - 11-5pm • Whitehaven Town Centre

Imagine Festival returns for 2026 – this time in Whitehaven and over two days!

Following the success of the first Imagine Festival in Seascale last year, we’re bringing the celebration to Whitehaven this April for an expanded two-day event on 25–26 April.

Please note that Sunday from 11am–12pm is a designated quiet hour, offering a calmer experience across the festival.
* workshops have limited capacity and will work on a first come first served basis.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL FESTIVAL MAP AND PROGRAMME HERE

PROGRAMME FOR IMAGINE 2026
SATURDAY & SUNDAY

FLOAT

Janice Murray, Lynda Buckland and Natasha Dawson

FLOAT explores West Cumbria’s rich carnival history through costumes, archival materials and oral histories from local people. Developed through research and co-creation with community groups, the project brings together local stories, contemporary costume design and a purpose-built replica of a traditional carnival float.

Artist Janice Murray and Everyone Here jury member Lynda Buckland worked closely with local communities to create the float, while Natasha Dawson contributed to the wider development of the project.

This exhibition reimagines past traditions, breathing new life into West Cumbria’s communal celebrations through contemporary approaches. Carnival craft activities will be available to take part in throughout the weekend.

In association with University of Lancashire.
Location: St. Nicholas’ Church

Exhibition open all day
Drop in Carnival Crafting Workshops: 11-1pm & 2-5pm

Create & Connect
Zoe Forster

Exhibition and workshops from residents in Aspatria and Mirehouse, that are deeply rooted in the area’s complex histories, and featuring artworks expressing contemporary views and wisdom.
Location: United Reform Church
Exhibition open all day

Drop in workshops:
Saturday:
Make a Clay Pigeon: 12pm*
Making Paint from Whitehaven landscape: 2pm*

Sunday:
Making Paint from Aspatria landscape: 1pm *
Self-portraits from your pocket: 3pm *

Fingerboarding – Mini Skateboard
Jake Bragg

Design and paint a custom-made mini skateboard and ramp using your old shoeboxes.
Location: The Rum Story (upstairs)
Time: All day drop-in workshops 11-4pm

Trash to Treasure
Sophie Bass

Create your own cut-and-paste pin badges using repurposed paper and explore junk journaling techniques. Feel free to bring an old notebook and any clean materials from home to use in your creations.
Location: The Edge
Time: All day drop-in workshops 11-4pm

Outside In
Nanette Madan

A multi-sensory experience created with residents of Flimby, Mirehouse, Whitehaven and Cleator Moor inspired by the natural world, and using dormancy as a metaphor for mental health recovery. Including performances and drop-in workshops
Location: The Rum Story
Exhibition open 11-4pm

Performances:
Saturday: 11:30am* & 1:30pm*
Sunday: 2pm*

Saturday drop in workshops:
Marbling a Paper Slug: 1 2:30pm :*
Create Gelli-Plate Printed Leaves: 3pm*

Sunday drop in workshops:
Draw an Insect: 12pm
Plant Tarot & Tea Ceremony: 2:30pm*

Here, West
Dave Bewick

Film documenting the complex intersection of art, culture and community in contemporary West Cumbria, challenging audiences to reconsider what constitutes a valuable cultural experience.
Location: Hope Haven (upstairs)*
Time: All day

Reflections
Jack McNeill

Jack’s sound installation translates the shared emotions of community groups involved in Imagine Festival 2026 into an immersive sonic reflection on connection and place.
Location: Hope Haven (upstairs)
Time: All day*

Songwriting
Tiiva

Songwriting with Tiiva: Co-create a song from scratch in this fun, open workshop – no experience needed, just ideas and good vibes. Make friends, share creativity, and have a go at songwriting!
Location: Hope Haven
Time: Saturday 2.30pm*

SUNDAY

POPLE ENJOYING A WORKSHOP

The Brightness In Us
The Knotted Project

Performance by children exploring themes of friendship, family and community, through film, poetry and dance.
Location: Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project
Time: Sunday 11am

Rhythms of Nicholson
Celia Burbush

Drop-in workshops creating visual forms inspired by Norman Nicholson’s iconic poetry.
Location: Hope Haven
Sunday: 11am, 1pm, 3.30pm