Imagine Festival

Join us in Seascale as we take over the village with a free festival for all the family!

Between 12noon and 5pm expect a whole load of colourful performances and activities to get stuck into in different spaces around Seascale.

After a busy Spark Bus Tour across the region, Imagine Festival is a celebration of Cumbrian creativity. Both ideas were dreamt up by Jury for Joy – our long-term citizens’ jury here in West Cumbria.

 

Let’s take a look at what we have in store for you…

 

Download the full festival map and programme here

 

West Cumbria Massed Brass Band

Bringing together players from Workington, Whitehaven, and Egremont Town Bands, the West Cumbria Massed Brass Band has been specially formed for the Imagine Festival. Under the baton of Mr Paul Worthington, conductor of Egremont Town Band, this intergenerational ensemble features musicians aged 10 to 80+, with some members having only taken up their instruments in recent years.

Expect a lively set filled with traditional brass band favourites, popular hits, and iconic film and TV themes that everyone will recognise. The performance celebrates the enduring spirit of brass banding in West Cumbria and the sense of community it fosters.

The bands are always welcoming new players of all ages and abilities, offering instrument loans and tuition for beginners, returners, and experienced musicians alike.

Location: Castle Square Amphitheatre
Recommended Ages: All ages
Time: 12pm
Accessibility: Fully accessible

Cat Messenger – Poet in Residence

A published Cumbrian poet invites you to…

Sit, listen inwards, and write.

Inspired by her poem ‘It’s all in you,’ Cat welcomes you to safely explore writing: what’s on top, what’s in the way, what longs to be said; allowing your inner connection to flow onto the page. Making poetry from this exploration of words is harvesting the profound creatively. You can delve as much or as little as you wish, share it, or keep it for you.

Location: Mawson’s Café
Recommended Ages: All ages
Time: Drop-in
Accessibility: Access via stairs

 

Jessie McMeekin – Storyteller

Dive into an underwater adventure with storyteller Jessie McMeekin, specially created for early years children and their carers.

This lively, interactive session is packed with sensory play, sound effects, music, puppets and plenty of imagination. A plucky little fish needs your help to keep their precious eggs safe until they hatch.

Together, you’ll journey beneath the waves into the Irish Sea—building a nest, chasing away danger, and exploring a magical seagrass meadow. Will the eggs survive? That’s up to you!

Designed to be experienced together, this joyful session invites carers and children to bring their energy, voices, and curiosity.

Location: Mawson’s Café downstairs
Duration: 40 minutes
Recommended Age: 1-5 (participative session for children and their carers to take part in together.) 
Time: 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
Accessibility: Access via stairs

Limited places, book your free place here.   

 

Handpicked Productions: Sekers Objects on The Road

Step aboard the Everyone Here Bus for a special glimpse of Sekers Objects

A selection of objects from the popular Sekers Objects exhibition, which ran during February 2025 by Handpicked Productions, will be on display on the seafront aboard the Everyone Here Bus.

Celebrate the rich heritage of the local Sekers fabric factory through stories, artefacts and hands-on creative activities. Discover the legacy of the people who worked there and the national significance of this remarkable local story.

Location: Everyone Here Bus & Seafront Gazebo
Recommended Ages: All ages
Time: Drop-in
Accessibility: Access onto bus via steps, creative activity – fully accessible.

 

Graffiti Tiles with Beardy Synergy & Twiggy

Join Beardy Synergy to spray paint tiles that will be used in a new community building project by Living Well.

Location: Seafront
Recommended Ages: All ages
Time: Drop-in
Accessibility: Fully accessible 

 

West Cumbria Gamers

Step inside and enter a world of tabletop games, fantasy adventures and family-friendly fun. West Cumbria Gamers will be at the Imagine Festival with a selection of games for all ages and levels—whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to gaming. Drop in, roll the dice, and play something new!

Location: Grassy area outside Mawson’s Cafe
Recommended Ages: All ages
Time: Drop-in
Accessibility: Fully accessible 

 

Belonging Exhibition

A display of community-led art projects created especially for the Imagine Festival. Featuring paintings and sculpture work from an artist collective led by cafe HerCiti in Maryport and Whitehaven Family Hub.

Location: Calderhouse Hotel
Recommended Ages: All ages
Accessibility: Access via stairs

 

Live music

Enjoy live music throughout the afternoon in the outdoor space at Calderhouse Hotel. Grab a drink or snack and soak in the sounds.

12:00–12:30pm | Mitchell Hill
Mitchell is a 20-year-old musician from Maryport currently studying music at Carlisle College. Expect a mix of rock and roll, blues, and country. A recent performer in Spark Project’s Open Mic sessions.

12:45–1:15pm | Phoenix Koscusko
Also from Maryport, Phoenix is a rising talent performing both original songs and covers. She also featured in the Spark Project’s Open Mic sessions.

1:30–2:30pm | Owen Evans
A multi-instrumentalist from Cockermouth, Owen blends Celtic, folk, world music, rock, and metal into lively, genre-spanning sets. When not on stage, he composes for theatre, including The Puppet Musical and a glam-rock Twelfth Night.

3:00–4:00pm | Ben Akehurst
Maryport’s Ben Akehurst is known for his soulful indie rock anthems and charismatic stage presence. He’s composed for Ragged Edge Theatre and the Made in Maryport project. Expect powerful tunes and great craic.

4:15–5:00pm | Emma Hunt
Egremont-based singer/songwriter and landscape artist, Emma uses music and art as pain therapy following her Ehlers-Danlos diagnosis. Her performances range from hauntingly beautiful to joyfully uplifting, with a devoted global audience online.

4:00pm | Evans & Wood
This dynamic folk duo mixes original tunes with covers and traditional songs. Owen Evans (accordion, guitar, keys) and Ryan Wood (fiddle) blend British and Irish folk with gypsy swing, Americana, and musical theatre. Expect energy, fun, and flair.

Location: Calderhouse Hotel (Outdoor Area)
Recommended Ages: All ages
Accessibility: Outdoor area accessible

 

Evans & Wood

This dynamic folk duo mixes original tunes with covers and traditional songs. Owen Evans (accordion, guitar, keys) and Ryan Wood (fiddle) blend British and Irish folk with gypsy swing, Americana, and musical theatre. Expect energy, fun, and flair.

Location: Castle Square Amphitheatre
Recommended Ages: All ages
Time: 4pm
Accessibility: Outdoor area accessible

 

Muncaster Medieval Swords

Children and parents can co-design (safe!) medieval swords with the team from Muncaster Castle.

Location: Cricket Pitch
Recommended Ages: All ages
Time: Drop-in
Accessibility: Fully accessible 

 

Nature’s Algorithms

A digital art installation by Giles Bennett, inspired by West Cumbria’s natural environment. Suitable for all ages.

Location: Sports Hall
Recommended Ages: All ages
Time: Drop-in
Accessibility: Fully accessible 

 

Enter the Realm of Beastie Collective 

Step into a world of myth, magic and imagination as the Beast exhibition from Florence Arts Centre comes to Imagine Festival.

A selection of striking artworks from the original exhibition will be on display throughout the venue—both inside and out—bringing to life questions of folklore, the environment, and our relationship with the landscape.

Explore giant dragons made from recycled materials, towering papier-mâché heads, deep-sea beast paintings, rivers made from fabric, and shadowy wall drawings inspired by Cumbrian legends. These immersive installations invite you to reflect, create and imagine new myths of your own.

Workshops on the day will draw from local beastly tales by Jessie McMeekin like The Ghost Horses of the Solway and The Shoreline Boggle, offering hands-on opportunities for families and festivalgoers of all ages to get involved.

Then at 4.30pm, join us for a final Beastie Parade, where a magnificent creature created on the day will lead the way in a joyful celebration through the site!

Location: Windscale Club Bar Area & Car Park
Recommended Ages: All ages
Time: Drop-in
Accessibility: Fully accessible

 

The Last Tango in West Cumbria – Argentine Tango Demonstration & Workshop

Join the passionate dancers from The Last Tango in West Cumbria for a special demonstration and taster workshop in the elegant art of Argentine Tango.

Based at Calderbridge Village Hall, this welcoming group meets weekly to share their love of tango. Led by experienced dancers Mel, Viv, David, Robyn and Jemima, the group offers friendly guidance and encouragement for those new to the dance, alongside regular input from visiting professional teachers.

Whether you’re stepping onto the dancefloor for the first time or simply curious about tango, this is a chance to discover its rhythm, connection and style in a relaxed, social setting.

No experience or partner needed—just bring your curiosity and two willing feet.

Location: Windscale Club
Recommended Ages: All ages
Time: 1-2pm
Accessibility: Fully accessible 

Contemporary Dance with Katy Higgins 

Get moving with a fun and welcoming contemporary dance class led by professional dancer Katy Higgins, who trained at the London Studio Centre and has performed internationally. 

No previous dance experience is needed—just bring your energy and a willingness to move! The session includes a full-body warm-up, learning a dynamic movement phrase, and finishing with a calming stretch to cool down. 

Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to reconnect with dance, this is a great chance to get active, explore movement, and enjoy a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Come along, get groovy, and leave feeling energised. 

Location: Windscale Club
Recommended Ages: All ages
Time: 2.15pm-3pm
Accessibility: Fully accessible 

The Creative Space Cumbria with Zoe Forster

The Art of Seeing
Discover the power of everyday observation in this relaxed mobile photography workshop. You don’t need a high-spec camera—just a phone and a curious eye. Learn how to use light, framing, and fleeting moments to turn ordinary scenes into extraordinary images. This workshop is open to all—perfect for anyone wanting to unlock the creative potential in their pocket.

Time: 12pm-1.30pm

Experimental Art and Environment
Join us on the coast at Seascale for a unique experimental filmmaking workshop inspired by the landscape. Using natural materials like sand, seaweed, and stone, you’ll create an original short film that captures the texture and spirit of Cumbria’s coastal plain. Embrace chance, explore new techniques, and help shape a collaborative piece that will be projected at the end of the day. A hands-on, creative experience for all ages and abilities.

Time: 2.30pm-4.30pm

Location: St Cuthbert’s Church
Recommended Ages: All ages
Accessibility: Access via stairs

 

Jumble Palace 

Join Cumbrian artist Hannah Fox on the lawn at Shackles Off Youth Project to help build a pop-up, wondrous palace made of junk!
Together, we’ll decorate and combine everyday furniture, found objects, and colourful materials to create a larger-than-life den—maybe even topped with a homemade chandelier.

This playful, hands-on workshop is open to all. No experience needed—just imagination and a sense of fun.

Location: Shackles Off Youth and Community Project
Recommended Ages: All ages
Access: Drop-in
Accessibility: Access may be restricted for wheelchairs. 

 

Gesture Drawing from the Imagined

Join Jim Osborne, resident artist at Shipping Brow Gallery, Maryport, for a playful and expressive drawing workshop. Using large sheets of paper, charcoal and pastels, you’ll explore intuitive mark-making inspired by gestalt and pareidolia—seeing images in unexpected forms.

This drop-in session invites you to get creative, whether you’re simply having fun with colour and texture or crafting a finished piece with Jim’s guidance. Suitable for all ages and abilities, it’s a chance to let your imagination lead the way.
Location: Bailey Ground Hotel
Recommended Ages: All ages
Access: Drop-in
Accessibility: Access via stairs

 

Playscape: How to Build a Galaxy

How often do you allow yourself to play? We imagine not often enough.

Do you ever dream of travelling to space? Charlie a human down on earth does too! Why not witness their journey as they meet Alex a space person who teaches them about play, imagination and the importance of following your curiosity and dreams! Along the way you will visit the moon, stars and maybe even a galaxy!

‘Playscape: How to Build a Galaxy’ is a 20 minute dance and motion capture* performance for all the family by Katie Dale-Everett Dance.

“Wonderful performance! A great introduction for the kids to dance performance paired with technology!” Parent

“I’d like to go to the moon!” Felix aged 6

“Very moving!” Audience member

“The colours and swirls were very calming and relaxing.” Audience member

Wondering what to expect? Why not find out more about the work by watching the Social Story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwXeCHGJP-0

*Motion capture uses magnets and components that emit radio waves which could affect nearby electronics. If you have a pacemaker, or other implanted medical devices please speak to a doctor if you have any concerns about being in a room with magnets/radio waves.

Location:  Seascale Methodist Church Hall
Time: 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
Recommended Age: All ages
Accessibility: Access via ramp, disabled toilets available

Limited places, book your free place here.   

 

The Gold Leafing Workshop – with Irene Rogan

Gold Leafing Workshop – Let Your Creativity Shine!
Join us for a fun and accessible workshop exploring the art of gold leafing – with a twist! Instead of traditional materials, we’ll be using gold and copper foil with water-soluble PVA glue, making this an easy, creative process suitable for all skill levels.

What You’ll Learn
Discover how to apply gold and copper foil to a variety of surfaces, turning everyday items into beautifully gilded treasures. This technique works brilliantly on shells, leaves, small ornaments, glass, wood, pebbles, frames, and more.

What to Bring
Bring along small items you’d love to transform – think pebbles, ceramics, glassware, picture frames or decorations. A touch of foil can make a striking difference!

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, come and enjoy a relaxed session where your creativity can truly shine.

Location: Seascale Library
Time: 1.15pm, 3.15pm
Recommended Age: 11yrs+ (must accompanied by guardian)
Accessibility: Fully accessible

Limited places, book your free place here.  

 

The Lost Bus to Seascale

We’re all lost on the bus! 

Our friendly bus conductor from Ragged Edge Theatre Company takes you on a journey to find your way back to Seascale! We’ll visit some amazing places and get directions from characters we meet along the way. 

You’ll be invited to wear headphones and the action will come from both live performance and pre-recorded audio. 

Location: Seascale Sports Hall
Time: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Recommended Ages: 5-10yrs
Accessibility: Access via stairs

Limited places, book your free place here.   

 

Flash Mob – The Knotted Project

Come and Join the amazing Knotted Project & a team of professional dancers to do some fantastically fun flash mob dancing. You can drop in and learn cool moves throughout the day and then take part in TWO secret performances at 1.30 and 2.30 (and maybe more) throughout the afternoon! Any age, any ability, any body, come and make up some fantastic funny moves with us and then perform it across Seascale village!

Location: Cricket Pitch
Accessibility: Fully accessible

 

All Saints Community Rock Squad

Bringing energy, harmonies and feel-good vibes, the All Saints Community Rock Squad will be performing live at Imagine Festival!

Launched in 2013, the group welcomes singers of all backgrounds and abilities from Cockermouth and the surrounding areas. With an open-door ethos and a passion for music, the Rock Squad is all about community spirit and the simple joy of singing together.

Their repertoire spans decades—from 1950s classics to modern chart hits, with a few musical theatre favourites in the mix. Expect toe-tapping tunes and uplifting sounds as they take to the stage for a crowd-pleasing set.

If you love what you hear, you’re welcome to join them—just head along to one of their Monday evening rehearsals at All Saints Primary School in Cockermouth.

Location: Castle Square Amphitheatre
Time: 3pm
Accessibility: Fully accessible

 

Beach Boats

Local artist Ruth Waterhouse guides children to draw on paper, fold it into boats, float them in paddling pools and take them home.

Location: Grassy area outside Mawson’s Cafe
Access: Drop-in
Recommended Ages: All ages
Accessibility: Fully accessible

 

Getting there

 

Free Bus Service to Imagine Festival

We’re making it easier than ever to get to Imagine Festival in Seascale with two completely free return bus routes—Coastal and Inland.

Spaces are limited, so please pre-book your seat via this form to guarantee your place.

🚍 COASTAL ROUTE (Outbound / Return)

• The Sun inn, Central Road, Dearham, CA15 7HE – 10:00am

• Trinity Baptist Church, Curzon St, CA15 6NE – 10:10am

• Flimby (Bus Stop near Rail Station) CA15 8QW – 10:15am

• Theatre Royal, Workington, CA14 3AW – 10:25am

• Salterbeck, Workington, CA14 5JT – 10:35am

• Chapel Street, Distington, CA14 5UJ – 10:40 am

• Bransty Arch, Whitehaven, CA28 7XE – 10:50am

• Bigrigg, Egremont, CA22 2TQ – 11:00am

• Bus Stop outside Thornhill, CA22 2RS – 11:10am

• Arrive Seascale – 11:25am

🚍 INLAND ROUTE (Outbound / Return)

• Boots Chemist, Cockermouth, CA13 9LU – 10:00am

• Adams Memorial Hall, Frizington – 10:25am

• Yeathouse Road, Frizington, CA26 3PB – 10:30am

• The Square, Cleator Moor, CA25 5AH – 10:40am

• Cleator, CA23 3BU – 10:45 am

• Bluebell Hotel, Egremont, CA22 2AE – 10:55am

• Arrive Seascale – 11:11am

Important: Return buses will depart from Seascale at 4.30pm and 6.00pm, with stops in reverse order.

Pre-book now to secure your seat 

Seascale Train Station is in the heart of Seascale. Plan your journey here.

Car parking can be found at the sports hall.  

Address: Seacale, Gosforth Road, Seascale, CA20 1PX

Access 

If you want to join us and have additional access needs, please feel free to contact Unique Spencer on unique@everyonehere.org to discuss how we can help.