A brand-new festival comes to Whitehaven Harbourside
Whitehaven Weekender is a new two-day celebration of music, creativity and community, created through a partnership between the teams behind Harbour Fest and Pride by the Harbourside. Taking place across the harbourside on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August 2026, it’s set to be a joyful, inclusive weekend for locals and visitors alike.
Across the weekend, you can expect free events, performances and activities, alongside big moments worth planning your day around. Some areas will be ticketed, with a small booking fee, but the heart of the festival is open, welcoming and made for everyone.
If you’d like to hear about line-ups, tickets and ways to get involved, sign up to our mailing list, and we’ll keep you in the loop as plans unfold.
What’s happening
Saturday 29th August
Saturday’s programme is curated by Rosehill, the team behind Harbour Fest. Expect a full day of live music, dance, creative performances and hands-on activities, all shaped by the spirit of Whitehaven and the people who make it what it is.
It’s a day to wander, discover something new, spend time with friends, and enjoy the harbourside at its best.
Sunday 30th August
Sunday brings Pride by the Harbourside to the centre of the weekend, with a colourful Pride parade followed by a huge musical celebration.
Headlining Sunday are the Vengaboys, bringing their high-energy pop hits to Whitehaven Harbourside for a feel-good finale to the weekend. Access to Sunday’s main music zone will be ticketed, with a small booking fee.
More than music
Alongside the main programme, the harbourside will be buzzing all weekend with:
Eat Street, curated by Lakeland Life Events, bringing together Cumbria’s much-loved street food traders and local producers
Community stalls, local organisations and creative showcases
Interactive experiences and activities for all ages
Plenty of space to relax, connect and enjoy being by the water
Whether you come for an hour or stay all day, there’ll be something to make your visit feel worthwhile.
A Festival Built Together
Whitehaven Weekender is delivered in partnership by Rosehill Arts Trust Limited, Northern Equality and Diversity and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, bringing together years of experience in creating welcoming, community-led events.
It’s about celebrating Whitehaven, its creativity, diversity, and the people who call it home.
Planning Your Visit
Dates: Saturday 29th – Sunday 30th August 2026
Location: Whitehaven Harbourside
Tickets: Free events across the weekend, with a small booking fee for Sunday’s main music zone
More performers, activities and full festival details will be announced soon.
Follow Whitehaven Weekender, Rosehill, NEAD and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners on Facebook and Instagram (@WhitehavenWeekender, @Rosehilltheatre, @nead.uk and @whitehavenharbourcommissioners) for updates, announcements, and ways to get involved.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Whitehaven for a weekend that’s bold, joyful and proudly shared.
Supporting Whitehaven Weekender
Whitehaven Weekender is proudly supported by Sellafield and iSH. More supporters to be announced soon.
For sponsorship opportunities, asset requests and media enquiries, please contact Eilidh Brinsley at eilidh.brinsley@rosehilltheatre.co.uk or 01946 514571.
