On Saturday 10 May, the seaside town of Seascale came alive as we welcomed over 1,500 visitors to the first Imagine Festival – a day full of sunshine, creativity, and community spirit.
Organised and shaped with care by our Jury for Joy, the festival transformed Seascale into a vibrant celebration of imagination, where people of all ages came together to create, connect and play. With more than 200 creative professionals helping us deliver on the day and flawless weather on our side, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical.
A Celebration of Creativity
We kicked off the day with a truly special moment – the debut performance of the West Cumbria Massed Brass Band, bringing together players from Egremont, Whitehaven and Workington for the first time. Conducted by Mr Paul Worthington, the band’s blend of brass classics, film themes and pop favourites had everyone smiling.
Throughout the day, every corner of Seascale offered something to explore. Families packed into Mawson’s Tearoom to enjoy Jessie McKeating’s underwater storytelling, while others were delighted by surprise community flash mobs from The Knotted Project.
Art, Heritage and Play
We were proud to showcase a wide range of creative experiences – from Nature’s Algorithms, a stunning digital installation by Giles Bennett, to Playscape: How to Build a Galaxy, a motion-capture dance experience sparking curiosity and wonder across all ages. Ragged Edge Productions took us on an interactive audio adventure with The Lost Bus to Seascale. Meanwhile, Jim Osborne, resident artist at Shipping Brow Gallery in Maryport, ran drawing workshops throughout the day.
Cumbrian artist Hannah Fox invited visitors to help build a pop-up, wondrous palace made of junk on the lawn at Shackles Off Youth Project.
Our Spark Bus made a welcome return, housing the beautiful and nostalgic Sekers Objects exhibition by Handpicked Productions. Visitors enjoyed engaging with artefacts, memories, and creative responses celebrating the legacy of the Sekers fabric factory.
Hands-on workshops proved a big hit – from graffiti tile-making with Beardy Synergy and gold leafing with Irene Rogan, to experimental filmmaking with Zoe Forster, alongside plenty of drop-in activities dotted across the beachfront and green spaces.
People also enjoyed The Last Tango in West Cumbria – an Argentine Tango demonstration and workshop – and a contemporary dance session led by Katy Higgins.
Bringing People Together
Thanks to our free bus service, we welcomed visitors into Seascale from across the region — many experiencing the town for the first time. With the train station right at the heart of the action, it was easy for everyone to join in the fun.
A Special Ending
The day closed with a toe-tapping performance from Evans & Wood, filling the air with energy. Then the Beastie Collective Parade, brought to us by Florence Mine, made its lively way through Seascale and onto the beachfront, delighting onlookers with a colourful and creative celebration.
Thank You
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this day possible – the artists, performers, volunteers, supporters, and of course, everyone who came and shared it with us.
Our Imagine Festival showed what can happen when we come together to dream, create and celebrate. We can’t wait to do it all again.
