WHITEHAVEN Alive has now closed out summer 2023, and the festival has been hailed a 'resounding success' by organisers and those who attended.
Whitehaven Harbour was packed across each day of the festival as over 35k people attend to watch the live acts, shop the stalls, catch the Red Arrows fly-by or attend the fun-fair.
After a dreary summer of little-to-no sun, Whitehaven Alive brought the weather with it, as temperatures soared across the whole weekend as the festival energised the town and its community. With its diverse lineup and unforgettable performances, Whitehaven Alive 2023 proved to be a massive highlight and great close to summer.
The Mitie Main Stage, the festival's epicentre, featured star-studded performances by some of the biggest names in music, including Tinie Tempah, Sophie Ellis Bextor, The Vaccines, and Jake Bugg. The main stage was packed with people each day, and stars such as Sophie were also pictured out and about on the harbour during the weekend. She even sported some new vintage clothing bought at one of the stalls!
Pretty much each performer at the festival said that they would 'come back to Whitehaven', following the reception they received from music lovers.
Whitehaven Alive’s event village was also a massive success, offering over 70 food, drink, and trader stalls. Attendees had the opportunity to discover new small businesses and learn more about some of the local services across Cumbria. Food lovers were also able to savour a wide range of foods, from local specialities to international flavours.
Adding to the festival's programme, The Red Arrows, the renowned Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, performed a fly-past on Saturday afternoon.
The festival wasn't just about the music and food. It also featured a funfair, street theatre performances and an extensive lineup of live music acts that kept the party going from day to night.
However, one of the most positive outcomes of Whitehaven Alive 2023 was its significant impact on the local economy. With thousands of visitors flocking to the town, local businesses, hotels, and restaurants reported a substantial increase in footfall and revenue.
Oliver Hodgson, Festival Director, expressed his delight at the overwhelming success of Whitehaven Alive 2023, saying: “We are thrilled that the festival was so well-received by both the local community and visitors from all over the country. It's a testament to the spirit and vibrancy of Whitehaven, and we're excited to see how this will benefit our town in the years to come.
“A huge thank you to our partners Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, Mitie, Amentum, BEC and Porsche South Lakes and our wider festival friends for making this weekend a huge success, we had a small army of volunteers and staff who worked round the clock to deliver an unforgettable weekend for tens of thousands to enjoy.”
Throughout the weekend, and the following days, the local community have been buzzing with words of praise for how the weekend went. One festival-goer said: "This has been so great for Whitehaven, it is crazy to see how busy town and the Harbour is. It isn't just about the music either, there are so many stalls and things to see. I can't wait for next year already!"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here