Our Spark Bus Tour that lit up West Cumbria

From Millom to Aspatria and all the incredible places in between, the Everyone Here Spark Bus Tour has been nothing short of a celebration – of creativity, of community, and of connection. As the wheels on the bus finally roll to a gentle stop, one thing is certain – West Cumbria turned up and made magic happen.

Over the past three months, the Spark Bus has travelled far and wide, making creative pit stops in Cleator Moor, Distington, Seascale, Frizington, Millom, Mirehouse, Allonby, Aspatria and Dearham. At every location, we were met with energy, excitement and open arms. What began as a bold idea from our Jury of Joy – to bring art and performance directly to the heart of communities – has grown into a vibrant tapestry of shared moments, new experiences, and unforgettable memories.

From spontaneous theatre performances and powerful storytelling sessions, to lino cutting, graffiti art, drum making, and portrait drawing, the Spark Bus became a moving hub of creativity. Local people of all ages explored crafting, art and digital installations, and many even stepped up to the mic for the now-legendary open mic evenings – where laughter, music, and spoken word brought neighbours and strangers together in a spirit of joyful expression.

We knew we wanted to bring the arts closer to home, to make them more accessible and more alive – and you made that vision a reality. The response was overwhelming. Social Clubs filled with chatter, hands got messy with materials, and eyes lit up with making, doing, and witnessing something so unique.

Whether you participated in a workshop, performed on stage, joined the audience, or simply popped by to see what all the fuss was about — thank you. You turned up in your droves, and you brought the Spark to life.

We couldn’t have done it without you – and, honestly, we wouldn’t have wanted to. Because this tour was never just about a bus, or even about art. It was about people, place, and possibility.

So, as we wrap up this incredible journey, we do so with full hearts and eyes already looking to the horizon. The Spark Bus may have rolled through for now, but the creativity it ignited – that’s just getting started.